Focus On Safety at our Teen Summer Camps

Safety is our highest priority—there's no question about it. Whether onboard or ashore, we want our students to have the adventure of a lifetime, and we maintain the utmost vigilance to keep them safe in the process.

“I couldn't have felt safer yet more relaxed with the staff… They seemed to be made for their jobs, and not once did I doubt their abilities to lead the boats and provide a safe environment for the kids to have fun.”
-David Estey, age 18, New York, NY

Every Sail Caribbean staff member is certified in Wilderness First Aid and CPR. Additionally, medical officers trained as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) or Wilderness First Responders (WFRs) accompany each program. During our comprehensive pre-season on-site training program, our staff review safety procedures specific to our environment and conduct simulated emergency drills.

Students, too, are taught the "Safety First" mindset. Sailing a 50-foot yacht is an awe-inspiring experience and is truly enjoyed only with a sense of confidence in one's safety and well-being. From day one, we teach students how to be safe on land and at sea, and also to look out for each other. Lifejackets are worn for all watersports and on boats while under sail. Harnesses are worn during all night sails.

In the event emergency medical attention is required on a voyage, our high-speed motorboats ensure quick transfer to land, where we have long-term relationships with qualified local doctors. We value and trust the local BVI organizations and hospitals who have teamed up with us to provide the best transport and care for our students should the need arise.

• We have a close professional relationship with Virgin Islands Search and Rescue (VISAR) and drill for emergencies with them as part of staff training. This all-volunteer organization is dedicated to saving life at sea. It provides 24-hour coverage every day of the year in co-operation with the Royal British Virgin Island police, fire and ambulance services.
• Peebles Hospital is conveniently located on Main Street in Road Town and can be reached by fast boat from our BVI fleets.  Peebles maintains twenty-four hour emergency and ambulance services and has laboratory and x-ray facilities available. A medical specialist  and trained nurses are on duty at all times. Virgin Gorda has an ambulance service manned by personnel with EMT training.
• B & F Medical Complex is a complete and professional medical center that has provides seven day a week service to the BVI community. The complex is staffed with general and specialist doctors providing family and child care. The medical laboratory provides x-rays and ultrasound. There is also a full service dental clinic and well stocked pharmacy on premises.

The Sail Caribbean fleet is always in VHF radio contact with one another and maintain daily contact with our base on Tortola via cell phone. We monitor Caribbean weather daily.  We have a full hurricane plan that includes swift relocation to a shelter inland. Thankfully, in over 30 years, we have only used it twice.