Yesterday morning a woman had gone out swimming in the sea in front of Rainbow Tree, a favorite place for swimmers because it's normally very calm there. Unfortunately, this woman was alone and didn't know about riptides (undertows) or what to do if she was caught in one. She was pulled out by a riptide, and she panicked. Luckily, people heard her cries for help. Within moments, Ritchie Parchment went flying down the stairs, shedding his clothing as he ran, jumped in the water, and swam out to hold the woman's head above water and calm her. Meanwhile, others ran to get ropes; she was so far out that three lengths had to be tied together to reach her and Ritchie. Several other people also went to her rescue including Raneil Lewis.

The purpose of this post is to thank all the quick-thinking and caring people who saved this lady's life.

It is also meant as a caution to all swimmers. Please do not venture out if you are alone; always swim with a buddy. Know if you are caught in a riptide to relax and allow the water to carry you out until the undertow stops; do not fight it because you will not win. Then swim parallel to the shore until you feel an opening without the riptide before you attempt to swim back to shore.

Finally, we urge the owners of all guest establishments to tell their guests about the possibility of riptides and how to handle them.

One life lost is one too many.

Thanks Karen, it seems the owners also need to display a sign warning their guests of the danger.

Scary story. The instinct is to panic and fight the water. Relax, let it take you where it wants and you will be safe.

Kudos to the kind people of Billy's Bay.

I have seen this kind of thing happen all over Treasure Beach, especially near Frenchmans and Calabash Bay. This woman was quite lucky she was spotted and saved. People do not appreciate how strong water can be unless there is something horrible like a hurricane happening. I suggest tourists ask a local about the water. They always know. Even the fishermen know when to go out and when to stay on land.

Some people think they know better than whatever signs say. They feel they are exceptions.

I NEVER get in unfamiliar water without asking the locals in advance if it is safe to swim !
People seem to forget about their personal safety when on vacation.
This lady was lucky !!
ONE LOVE !!
Mike

A very happy ending for this lady unfortunately not so for the 2 young boys who went on a school trip last week from Portland they drowned and the trip wasn't for them to be at Beach to begin with,very sad news.

This subject was covered here many times in the past, and we talked about posting warning sigs, (which was never done) about the dangerous areas. I am not sure how many people have died from this, but to my knowledge there are a handful of people, especially tourists. Seems people get all excited to do something when tragedy strikes and then just fades away..A few inexpensive sigs may save a life or two, but for some reason cannot be accomplished even after multiple deaths.

Just as an FYI Bob. Signs were put up in various areas like Frenchman's Beach and Calabash Bay. Rough seas and hurricanes seem to have taken a few of them. I know of someone who was told the sea was too rough to swim in 3 times, then put his belongs not 5 feet from the sign warning of rough seas and drown.

Signs are important, for sure, warning folks is also important, but it comes down to persons swimming responsibly.

Every accommodation where we book guests we make sure to have it written at the house and to actually show our guests where it is and is not safe to swim. We always say, "If a local resident tells you it is not safe to swim there, listen to them!"

Unfortunately, over the years it seems to be the folks coming in for a day from other parts of Jamaica and are not familiar with the area that seem to get in the most trouble. Which again says signs may be the best way to notify them.

Oh thanks for the update Becca, I did not know this. I did not see any when I was there, leaving end of October. I guess my feeling would be if people were aware, had warnings from signs and other literature, and they drowned anyway, I would sleep better knowing I did my part.

I have to disagree with Bob. It is very rarely tourists and I can't think of one drowning in the recent past. Tourists more often than not, listen to advice. Sadly it's Jamaicans most of the time. Very very sad when it does happen.

Hi everyone, long time not see, soon come.

I agree, with what you say. About twenty years ago a young man on Boxing Day got caught in a riptide and his body washed up right in front of their sign. I tried CPR, but was forced to stop as the stectators yelled "Man, you kiss a dead man and even Sita was worried what they would do, so I stopped.

Since the creating of the Treasure Beach Emergency System was put into place the attitudes have changed and CPR training is available. Thanks to Jason and all the volunteers involved.

About 7 years another boy landed one the beach in Fort Charles, Lenny Buchanon and I were able to revive the boy, who later died at hospital from being ignored and laid flat one his back. Which caused the remaining sea water to settle back in his lungs. It was awful and I say hats off to the locals assisting. That's the old treasure beach, it is what had kept me there for years
Lillian

X5, there was a time in the not so distant past where tourists had no idea of the dangers, and I still do not think they do. jamaica is majical in every way to lots of them. But I can think of at least 2 tourists in the past 5 years. Not alot...but I think their families would disagree....I am not saying that tourists do not heed warning signs...they do in general. I agree the locals do not. I was talking when there were/are no signs of danger. Thanks!

One factor that is missing from this conversation is the fact that many Jamaicans do not know how to swim very well or not at all. There are certainly some that can, but many cannot (especially women).Tourist's from Western countries are generally far better swimmers.
The South Coast area around Treasure Beach is different than Negril. Negril is very reef protected and TB is not.
Most beach areas in TB are cove's. Cove intertidal zones can be very dangerous when the tide changes from high tide to low tide and there is a swell present. This is when riptide is most prevalent and is especially dangerous when sets are rolling in during winter months. I surfed a lot when I was younger and know that ocean dynamics are often poorly understood non- surfers.

We are going to have a sign made and put up on Billy's Bay beach.

After speaking to several people, the best wording we have is:

WARNING:
CHECK FOR UNDERTOW.
SWIM WITH A BUDDY.

I am asking for comments on these words in addition to any other suggestions you might have. One person thought a picture of a swimmer with three color bars next to it--red, yellow, and green--with the yellow bar circled--plus the above words--might be good, but I wonder if people will interpret that to mean "no swimming" instead of "be cautious."

Whatever is put up must be short and easy to understand. We are also concerned that people who do not speak English as a first language will be able to understand the sign.

Great job as usual Karen. But to me, the term "Check" is not right. How are they supposed to check unless they actually are getting pulled...You cannot actually check for undertow. Maybe "caution possible undertow" or "possible undertow" And the other sentence...
"Do not swim alone"

Hi Karen, dont know if something like this would work, as, like you say we have many non- english visitors, and locally it will help with literacy probs.

http://www.istockphoto.com/stock-photo-12983663-undertow-warning-sign.php

Most non English visitors speak English as a second language. Point is, something is always better than nothing. I wouldn't want to think "what if" after the next drowning. And there will be a next.

Isn't there an international logo for undertow? That would solve the literacy issue, as everyone would know what it means...

Hi all -- coming back later this month but just wanted to add a first-person perspective. I was saved by Ritchie, Ozzie, and several others from the very same spot at Rainbow Tree several years ago, and I was unaware of the right way to act when caught in a riptide. I kept trying to swim and tired out very quickly -- but thanks to all the beautiful people of Billy's Bay I am alive to tell about it. I think a sign is a good idea, and so is a rope from the big rock back to shore. I think the sign should address the issue of floating, as opposed to swimming. I know there's limited space, but to me knowing how to escape a riptide is more important than anything else. Anyway, glad this is being addressed -- it is definitely a good investment because I can guarantee it will save a life one day. Bless.

Hi David. Our family has stayed at Rainbow Tree three times and hopes to return again. As an FYI, the Kennedys supply us with a booklet of helpful hints well before each visit. Some information in that booklet changes, but the information on riptides and what to do has been there from the beginning. As an added precaution, the staff takes the time to explain the dangers of the sea to us each time we arrive. Being honest, many people might not read the explanation or listen to the warnings just like when you are on a plane and the airline staff reviews the safety info and people tune out. A lot of people think they know better or think nothing will ever happen to them. I will also say we have talked to people on the beach who are staying at other places, and some of them have never been cautioned by the owners or staff. Some of these people are staying across the road and some are staying at places on the beach. I am glad a sign will be put up, but I am guessing those who need it most might not pay any attention to it.

nige...a helpful view of the International Sign for Strong Undertow (French: Courant de Fond Puissant; German:starker Undertow; Italian:forte undertow)
It seems, however, that the Undertow (rip tides) are different on the different beaches of TB...of various strengths and streams.

The sign that you show almost seems to suggest that the rotating figure be followed with a short sequence of graphics on how to "ride out" the current, which is itself "exciting" if you are able to keep your head and learn some floating techniques.

One helpful hint for swimmers "going out there to the beyond" is to buy and use a "flotation belt" (cheap), which will give you the sense of confidence that, at the very least, you are not going to sink if you are too tired to swim or cramp-up.

The Climate Observers, in our midst, should also be consulted on the times of the year and conditions when and where the Undertows are strongest and most likely to occur...whenever signs are placed.
Hail Those Mean Nor'Easters!

Big Ups to Ozzie, Rithie and and their ilk, who saved D. Schwartz' life off Rainbow Tree...You'd be amazed at the number of watchful eyes pealed on the sea for anything untoward.

I was born and raised in Treasure Beach...trust me there are no safe beach there to swim. I am terrified to swim there.

Rip Currents: The Great Escape (Atlantic Ocean-based Info

YouTube Video:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cvc5aUM4b8g

Rip Currents:: Foreknowledge:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rip_current

From yard...I think you would get an argument about "no safe beach to swim" from the Great Bay-ers, who consider their stretch of beach, protected by the headlands of Pedro Bluff, to be mostly as calm as a lake.

Here is an interesting aside, from Miss Sally, describing how during the pre-touristy days, her mother would send fictitious stories to the media of the "horrors" off the Treasure Beach coastline:

A special place to us, our parents were fairly diligent about keeping the secret of this unsophisticated village to themselves. Now and then someone more progressive or the Tourist Board would try to put Treasure Beach on the map but my mother was quick to respond with letters to the Gleaner telling of shark attacks, deadly swift currents, frequent drownings and other largely imaginary off-putting scenarios, so much so that by the beginning of the nineties still little had changed.

LINK:
www.skywritingsmagazine.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=198&Itemid =30

Zed lets agree that the top part of Great Bay is not as bad as all the others... but still not a great swim beach.

From yard...in all humility, help me out here, please:
Is there such a word in the English language as thalassophobia...one that a scrabble may need to score points, and may apply to some potential non-swimmers, hereabouts?

Based on what people are saying even a pool wouldn't be safe. C'mon ...

Sorry "from yard" I am from Great bay, and myself and sibs grew up in that bay, and it is safe from "bluff to about where shallow reef starts.And a good swimmer can shoot fish all along bluff and reef side.Respect.

I must add though, please listen or heed any warnings that are given, because, in youthful ignorance ;) i have also been caught in currents and undertows and only walked away by the grace of Jah. One of the most beautiful and pristine places in jamaica is "Back seaside" but i would be very careful swimming there.

Hey From Yard {edited by TBNet} there is nothing wrong with any of the beaches.

Spooky dude I disagree! but who am I? I was born and raised there and know where to swim. My thoughts and prayers are with the ones who don't know.

Disagreeing wit di Dude?
Don't do dat!

The sea in TB is very dangerous. People die here every year - locals and people from foreign both. I was told by an important person in the community - if I was bothered by the lack of signs, I should put some up. They are afraid of scaring the tourists.

People drown in swimming pools all the time. There's no rip tide there. Just know your capabilities, swim with a buddy, and don't go swimming when the sea is rough.

Tadd, This is not true. People do not drown every year in Treasure Beach.There have been some deaths and, as stated above, they are mostly Jamaicans who come from other parts of the island and do not know the local currents and do not listen to locals wisdom.

And there are warning signs. Please get your facts straight before you post on such a sensitive subject.

-TBNet

Okay, I think there are some exaggerations here. I have not heard of any drownings since 2010. I agree 100% any drowning is a tragic one. I have been very closely involved in saving persons, rushing persons to the hospital after a near drowning, and attempting to comfort the grieving family.

However, it is not the beach that is dangerous but the sea conditions of the day. The sea has been very calm for the last week. Pretty much any beach anywhere has been safe to swim at during the calm times. Everyone has to be aware that the sea conditions change and to evaluate the situation each day.

I don't think it serves any purpose to make a sweeping generalization that all the beaches are dangerous and no one should ever go swimming. I also know there are not people dying every year. Let's calm down, put up signs, warn persons when the sea is not condusive for swimming, inform persons on what to do if they are caught in a rip tide, and then allow persons to make their own educated decision.

As I stated a while back, just about everyone who has drown in recent years has been warned just previous to entering the sea that the sea was rough on that day and they should not swim but they decided to go in anyway.

I consider myself a strong swimmer but I also know the sea is stronger every time. Let's stop frightening folks and instead educate them so they can make the safe decision.

Well said Rebecca. I remember seeing some very small signs a few years ago on Calabash Beach..was warned by locals as well to be aware. I've been around the sea alot and also consider myself a strong swimmer BUT the sea is VERY POWERFUL.
In Hawaii they are adamant about telling people to NEVER turn your back on the sea yet people still climb down rocks to take pics and ultimately get swept away by a rogue wave.
Things like this can happen anywhere there is a sea and unfortunately there will always be the people who will think that the rules do not apply to them.
I agree, do not scare people, try to educate them and make them understand that Sea is the Queen here.

Cannot believe people expect the sea to be like a bathtub. It is the SEA. People need to know the dangers and be alert but this does not mean the sea is always unsafe or you cannot have a good time in it.

We would like people to know we have posted a large sign about rip currents on Billy's Bay beach. The sign is more of a "what to do" illustration and doesn't contain many words so it should be easy to understand even if people do not read English. There are more detailed explanations posted on smaller signs in both Rainbow Tree and Rainbow Point Villas; our staff asks each guest to read the explanations before going into the sea, even if this is their 10th visit to Treasure Beach.

The objective is not to scare but to inform.

Good to know there is now a sign on Billy's Bay Beach. With thanks to the Kennedys.

more thanks

Sea finally calm. Boats went out last night.

we in the midwest USA are enduring a summer of extreme heat and drought. Temperatures high and no rain,crops drying up. what's the weather in TB
now?

Normal July here though a wee bit warmer. One day with rain in the past week. Not bad at all. Visitors say temperatures are much hotter in America.

I hope that every one is ok.

BC has been cold and wet all summer. A few hot days then clouds. Some from forest fires in Siberia.

Look forward to hot and dry.

The Bad Taino Duppies said they miss you Nurse and hope you get to come this year.

Good move with the signs Mrs Kennedy, I hope some more get placed where they may save lives. Many of our guests know this is the Wild West, Ja style, and expect the unexpected. We have to anticipate the unexpected. Like the undertows that can happen anytime.

Another seaside hazard is shifting sand floors that can turn a shallow walk from the shore into the deep unexpectedly. When a strong wave hits a non swimmer in such a place, they may be in trouble. Happened to me as a child at Cable Hut.

It has come to my attention that many operators of guest houses not on the beach do not bother to inform their guests of the dangers of the sea. I happen to know the lady swimmer who almost drowned on 5 February was staying in a guest house across the road from the beach and I doubt she was warned.

What happened to common sense? look at the sea it looks like it is just ready to take you in.

Common sense has been lost for a long time. Look not only at the sea but the trash that is thrown in it, the plastic bottles that are used, the pesticides that kill people in addition to bugs, the parents who think the schools are babysitters and more. If anyone finds it please tell us where it is.