With reference to the letter Ramla Bay Gozo by Maria Gatt (TMID 2 July).

We are all aware that every year a number of tragic accidents occur on our beaches. Many of these accidents could be avoided by immediate action of trained persons in first aid and/or water rescue whose intervention could prevent loss of human life. It’s a known fact that the Malta Red Cross Gozo Branch has the operational capacity to offer a lifeguard service. In fact, the Red Cross was the pioneer of lifeguarding in Malta and Gozo and had done this work on a large-scale project back in 1999. Furthermore, it may be pertinent to add that, within the EU, the main lifeguarding service providers are the Red Cross National Societies.

The Malta Red Cross, Gozo Branch, has a lifeguard team and a hydro ambulance – a rescue boat equipped with water rescue and advanced medical equipment including an Automated External Defibrillator, portable oxygen and spinal immobilisation devices. The lifeguard team undergoes regular training carried out by an instructor and a master instructor.

Over the last few years we have been trying to offer our services and replicate the lifeguarding activities already offered in Malta on other beaches in Gozo and Comino. We have shown the authorities our interest in offering lifeguard services and using the water rescue ambulance to provide first aid assistance in both Gozo and Comino.

Once again, as a follow-up to meetings held a year ago with the Chairman of the Malta Tourism Authority, the branch contacted the Malta tourism authority with concrete plans for Comino and Ramla Hamra in Gozo. Following a series of meetings with the Parliamentary Secretary responsible for Tourism, we still did not receive the support required to offer our services.

Since the Malta Red Cross Gozo branch is not in a position to finance the entire project and all costs, we have applied for financing from various sources, but all in vain. Once we receive the financial backing and authorisation to act from Government, we are immediately ready to start working and offer our services. Indeed it would be a pity if another summer passes and no security measures are taken for beaches in Gozo.

Etienne Micallef

Branch Secretary

Malta Red Cross

Gozo Branch