WILLEMSTAD – MFK Member of Parliament David Seferina is asking the government whether Curaçao’s beaches have adequate warning signs, emergency information and rescue equipment following recent reports of tourists losing their lives in the sea.
Seferina submitted questions under Article 96 of the Rules of Order to Minister of Economic Development Roderick Middelhof on October 7, calling for greater clarity on measures being taken to protect both tourists and residents.
According to Seferina, Curaçao’s beaches play an important role in the tourism industry and the island’s international image. Recent incidents involving tourists who died in the sea, he said, have highlighted the importance of prevention and emergency preparedness.
The MFK parliamentarian wants to know whether beaches have sufficient signs warning visitors about currents and sea conditions, as well as instructions explaining what to do when someone gets into difficulty in the water.
He also asked whether emergency telephone numbers are displayed clearly enough for tourists and residents to know whom to contact when an accident occurs.
If adequate signs are not currently available, Seferina wants the government to establish whether there is a plan to install them.
Another concern is the availability of rescue equipment. Seferina asked whether lifebuoys or similar equipment are present at Curaçao’s beaches so that bystanders can assist someone experiencing difficulty in the water.
If such equipment is not widely available, he wants the government to evaluate installing it at beaches around the island.
Seferina stressed that his questions are intended to encourage prevention rather than create unnecessary concern.
He said beach safety is important not only for tourism but also for protecting lives and maintaining confidence in Curaçao as a destination.
The MP has requested written answers from Middelhof.