Bermuda is targeting visiting tourists in a drive to reduce the number of drowning deaths.
Tourists and cruise ship guests in particular, will be the target market of ‘robust public campaigns’ throughout 2026.
It is being run by the Ministry of Health.
Ministry officials say more than half of all drownings are foreign tourists.
There will be ‘enhanced public education and stronger collaboration with tourism partners.’
In 2025, two cruise ship passengers died at Horseshoe Bay Beach in separate incidents, leading to the introduction of foreign lifeguards.
Norwegian Cruise Line is being sued in the death of one of these as the cruise line failed to inform guests or dangerous riptides, as well as no lifeguards at the time, a lawsuit claims.
Still, the overall number of open water drowning deaths is low on an annual basis
“Bermuda has recorded relatively few drowning deaths over the past decade, yet each loss reminds us of the importance of prevention. The Ministry of Health, working closely with the Water Safety Council, has made drowning prevention a priority, the ministry said.
“Over the past year, the council has carefully reviewed local data to better understand risks and shape targeted interventions.”
“This work has highlighted important differences between incidents involving residents and visitors, reinforcing the need for visitor-specific safety measures, particularly for cruise ship passengers.”
