Questions are being raised about emergency access at Jolly Harbour Beach following the death of 32-year-old Claudius Richards, a Dominican national who was residing in Bolans.
Richards was reportedly seen floating face down in the water before two visitors in the area assisted in pulling him ashore.
He was reportedly some distance along the beach when the emergency unfolded, prompting a response from two ambulances.
However, reports indicate that emergency crews were unable to drive directly to the area where Richards was located because that section of the beach was fenced and there was no suitable access point for the ambulances.
A golf cart was reportedly used to transport Richards from farther along the beach to a gate, where ambulance personnel were able to reach him. CPR was performed during efforts to save his life.
Richards later died.
The incident has raised questions about whether adequate emergency access is available along that section of Jolly Harbour Beach, particularly in situations where every minute can matter.
Questions are also being asked about lifeguard coverage at the time of the incident.
It has been alleged that no lifeguards were present when Richards was pulled from the water. There have also been broader claims about whether lifeguards assigned to the area are consistently at their designated posts.
Those claims have not been independently verified, and there has been no official indication that the reported absence of lifeguards contributed to Richards’ death.
The circumstances surrounding the incident are now prompting calls for the relevant authorities to examine emergency access to the beach, lifeguard coverage and the procedures in place for responding to medical emergencies in areas that cannot be easily reached by emergency vehicles.
Richards had recently participated in a protest calling for justice and was among those who joined demonstrators several weeks ago.
He was also described as someone committed to helping others and was reportedly involved in managing a charity.
Following his death, members of the public have been asked not to circulate a video showing CPR being performed on Richards during the emergency, out of respect for his family and their privacy.
Antigua.news extends condolences to Richards’ family, friends and loved ones.
