Be careful out there!

Daily Herald story We see stories here all the time about people who get in trouble or are injured swimming or diving on SXM. This particular incident didn't happen on SXM, and it fortunately ended well for those involved. However, it is a lesson that, even though one is on vacation, bad things can happen and you need to be aware of your surroundings and careful. Daytrippers and others who go hiking on Saba should make sure that they are hiking in a safe area or that they are with an experienced local guide.

Most of the beaches on St Maarten are very safe for swimming. Occasionally the seas get strong surf and swimmers should use caution as the waves can knock you down pretty good. I haven't experienced any strong rip tide . I think I wouldn't swim in Guana Bay Area though as the seas are very angry in that area.

I have often seen the waves at Mullet in particular to be very strong and have myself observed a couple of people in trouble there. And I recall seeing stories in the DH a couple of times about tourists who have passed away while swimming or diving. I think those were deaths from natural causes, not drowning, but you just never think about bad things happening to you on vacation. Many day trippers from SXM go hiking on Saba, although I'm not sure if the area where these folks were is popular only pretty much with stayover guests.

I find that the waves at Mullet can be extrememy dangerous-I've been knocked over by them several times-don't go in anymore unless it's calm-I like waves but not huge ones.

Years ago we swam at Cupecoy one day when the waves were fantastic and there was so much sand at the bottom of the steps near the cliff. I've never been so scared in my life. I got caught out in between the constant GIGANTIC waves coming and really thought I was not going to make it. So foolish on my part, and I would NEVER do that again.

I was talking with Will Klein, the founder of SkyMed, the emergency medical evacuation people last week. I told him when I first heard of SkyMed my preconception was that it evacuated mostly elderly people with heart attacks and strokes -- but I was totally wrong. I've been involved with them for about 14 years and the vast majority of evacuations are injury related -- falling down cement stairs, tripping, other totally unexpected things that happen to anybody, anywhere, at any age. If you think it won't happen to you, think again: it can and it does, every single day, so be ready.