EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Drowning is a serious problem in Puerto Rico, which impacts residents and visitors alike. For the victims, it can result in very serious injury or death. For family and friends, it can result in loss of a loved one. For society, it can result in economic consequences to families, the health system, and the tourism economy, since a reputation for unsafe beaches can encourage tourists to go elsewhere. Drowning death in Puerto Rico occurs throughout the year. There is no single “season” for drowning. Over 80% of drowning victims are Puerto Rico residents. Most Puerto Rico drowning deaths occur at ocean beaches and in rivers. There are a wide variety of methods that can be used to improve aquatic safety throughout Puerto Rico. To be successful, the issue must be addressed comprehensively. Public education is the first step. This includes education of residents, including learn-to-swim programs, and education of tourists. To be effective, public education must be pre-planned and implemented long before people visit aquatic areas. Since people will wish to swim regardless of the dangers, and since even the best swimmers can be victims of drowning, it is essential to staff desirable and convenient beach locations with properly trained and equipped lifeguards, thus offering protected areas for swimming. While lifeguards are presently provided in a few beach areas of Puerto Rico, none are trained to recognized national standards. Some of the most hazardous beach areas in Puerto Rico have no protection whatsoever, while less hazardous areas are staffed with lifeguards. A process must therefore be implemented to identify the areas of greatest need and to take necessary steps to make them safer. The Puerto Rico Interagency Beach Board should take a lead role in addressing this issue, since drowning occurs predominantly at the beach. However, addressing this issue in a comprehensive manner will involve leadership from a variety of sectors, including the Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of Health, Secretary of Education, Superintendent of Police, Commissioner of Municipal Affairs, Department of Natural Resources, Tourism Company, Hotel Association, National Parks Company, Sea Grant Puerto Rico, and the Mayors of the oceanfront municipios. By implementing the specific recommendations which can be found at the end of this report, Puerto Rico can significantly reduce the incidence of drowning, while enhancing quality of life for the residents of the Commonwealth and protecting its vibrant tourist industry.
Aquatic Safety Recommendations
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Aquatic Safety Recommendations
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Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Commonwealth of Puerto Rico