The heartbreaking tragedy of 10-year-old Akira La Rose and her 11-year-old cousin, Joylyn Jack, who drowned at Enchanter Creek on the Linden-Soesdyke Highway is a reminder of the dangers present when children are left unsupervised at outings. What was intended to be a joyful family celebration turned into a nightmare as these two young lives were lost.
The details of this tragedy reveal that the girls were part of a family outing, playing in the creek when they went missing around 15:30h. Their absence, unnoticed until it was too late, underscores the pressing need for increased supervision and safety measures at these recreational places across the country. This incident, while profoundly sorrowful for the families involved, also raises important questions about the adequacy of safety protocols at public and semi-public spaces, particularly those as inherently risky as creeks and beaches/seawalls.
While Guyana’s abundant natural beauty makes creeks, rivers, and seawalls attractive destinations for relaxation and recreation, these environments also pose serious dangers, particularly for children. In the case of Akira and Joylyn, it is unclear whether there were any warning signs in place to help prevent such a calamity. Unfortunately, such precautions are frequently absent in many parts of the country.
This tragedy points to the urgent need for comprehensive safety measures at popular recreational areas such as creeks. First and foremost, there must be designated lifeguards at frequented creeks especially on weekends and holidays when families tend to gather in larger numbers. While it may be difficult to monitor every small creek or out-of-the-way seawall, certain high-traffic areas should be prioritised for regular supervision.
In addition, proper signage warning of dangerous currents, deep sections, or submerged obstacles is crucial. Many of the creeks and rivers in Guyana do not have visible indicators of depth or hazard, making it difficult for persons to gauge what is safe. Simple warning signs could alert swimmers and their guardians to potential dangers before they venture into the water.
Further, public education campaigns about water safety must be promoted across the country, especially in communities that frequent these sites. Parents and guardians should be equipped with the knowledge and tools to better supervise their children in open waters, such as understanding the importance of keeping a constant watch and ensuring that children play in shallow areas.
The deaths of Akira La Rose and Joylyn Jack have brought untold grief to their families and communities. It is incumbent upon everyone to take action to prevent future accidents like this one. Recreational spaces should bring joy, not sorrow, and with proper supervision and safety measures in place, they can continue to be cherished locations for families to gather and enjoy the beauty of Guyana safely.
This incident must serve as a wake-up call. While the immediate response may be grief, the long-term solution requires proactive planning. Government agencies, such as the Ministry of Public Works, the Ministry of Tourism, and regional authorities, must collaborate to create a comprehensive safety framework for popular creeks and recreational beaches. The Ministry of Public Works can ensure the necessary infrastructure, including proper signage, barriers, and clearly-marked swimming zones. The Ministry of Tourism should establish guidelines for safe recreational use, working with local businesses to enforce safety standards. Regional authorities, in turn, can implement these guidelines, providing lifeguards, first-aid stations, and regular monitoring of popular locations. A coordinated approach would not only enhance public safety but also promote responsible tourism in these areas.
A framework for water safety, including training for volunteers as lifeguards, could also empower communities to take ownership of these spaces. Furthermore, private businesses and event organisers should prioritise safety when hosting gatherings near water, as lives depend on vigilance. Only through collective effort can future tragedies be prevented.
