“We are not looking to be glorified, but calling for change.”

Calling for urgent changes in Trinidad and Tobago’s lifeguard services, Sarah Persson of Sweden and Canadian Anna Hospedales highlighted the lackadaisical response displayed during the incident. Speaking with the Express via telephone yesterday, Persson said, while they appreciate the recognition, the best reward would be to bring about positive changes to the shortcomings they observed.

Persson, who is trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), pointed out several disturbing deficiencies in how the lifeguards on duty managed the situation. Describing the moments leading up to the incident, Persson said she was between the jetty and lifeguard booth with her son when she saw people panicking.