Following the tragic drowning of two young girls at Enchanter Creek on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn, has called for immediate safety reforms at recreational sites. During an emergency meeting on Monday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Minister Benn urged creek operators to prioritise safety and security in their operations.
Minister Benn expressed concerns that adequate attention is not being given to safety at these locations. While recognizing the importance of balancing the interests of both operators and visitors, he emphasised that both parties must play a key role in ensuring safety. Benn proposed that lifeguards be stationed at creeks to monitor activities and recommended the implementation of basic safety measures, including clear signage that indicates restricted areas and activities. He warned operators that failure to meet these basic safety requirements could result in the closure of their businesses.
The minister also stressed the need for life-saving equipment, such as life rings, small life rafts, and flotation devices for children, to be readily available at these sites. He suggested that shallow water areas, especially those no deeper than three feet, should be clearly marked and barricaded to prevent accidents. Benn called for these measures to be implemented without delay, adding that if safety protocols are in place and visitors still act irresponsibly, that is a different issue.
“I want to see signage up at these places now. I want to see life rings, small rafts, and flotation devices for children in areas where they can paddle in shallow water,” Benn stated. “If we put these things in place and people still act recklessly, that’s one thing, but right now, we don’t seem to have anything in place.”
Operators were encouraged to hold committee meetings to assess their facilities and exchange ideas on improving safety standards. Authorities have pledged to engage with operators to ensure compliance and promote safety.
Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sport, Charles Ramson, also spoke at the meeting, underscoring that safety must be a top priority for business owners. He noted that had an immediate response mechanism been in place, the tragic incident could have been avoided. Ramson further warned operators that they could face not only civil claims but also criminal negligence charges in the event of safety lapses.
“I’m warning you that you are exposing yourselves not just to civil liabilities, but also to criminal negligence, which is a serious offence,” Ramson said. “You could face jail time in situations like this.”
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) disclosed that out of all the recreational facilities along the Linden/Soesdyke Highway corridor, only ten are registered, and none have current permits. These facilities are in the process of renewing their permits, while several others remain unregulated. The EPA noted that some operators do not legally own the lands where their facilities are located, limiting the agency’s ability to issue permits.
Roydon Croal, Senior Occupational Health and Safety Officer at the Ministry of Labour, outlined additional safety recommendations, including lifeguards, trained divers, emergency personnel on standby, and clear safety signage.
The incident that prompted these urgent discussions occurred on Sunday afternoon when two cousins, Akira La Rose, 10, and Joylyn Jack, 11, tragically drowned at Enchanter Creek. The girls, who were celebrating Akira’s birthday with family, were found unresponsive in the water after they were reported missing. They were rushed to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, where they were pronounced dead. No signs of violence were found on their bodies, and post-mortem examinations are pending as investigations continue.
