New RNLI Lifesaving Support Centre opens in Jersey

The building was opened by Stuart Popham, the Chairman of the RNLI, and Steve Pallett, Assistant Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture, States of Jersey, noted the success of lifeguard services in the island.

Construction of the centre was completed last autumn and this event marks the building becoming fully operational in time for the Lifeguard Supervisors to begin preparation for the summer season across Jersey.

Although the RNLI began providing lifeguard services in the island’s beaches in 2011, the organisation had no central facility for these staff until now. The new building provides a purpose-built, modern facility for the training and management of lifeguards working on the island’s beaches.

Rob Stuteley, Lifeguard Supervisor for Jersey, said, “The centre offers space for essential activities such as casualty care training and post-incident debriefs, and means equipment can be serviced, maintained and stored safely. Salt and sand-covered vehicles and equipment can be washed down, giving them a longer life, and equipment no longer needs to be transported back to the UK at the end of each season and returned the following year.

“The centre’s opening means that after early or late season training, lifeguards can shower and warm up. The centre will make a huge difference to our lifeguards and to the role they play in lifesaving across the island.”

The location of the centre makes it easily accessible from all points on Jersey. The space is adaptable, and the RNLI’s intention is to make it available to community groups in the island as a hub for their activities, allowing the organisation to work more closely with them to extend our lifesaving expertise across local communities.

Notes to editors

• Journalists are invited to visit the Lifesaving Support Centre on Friday 2 February between 10am and 1pm where Rob Stuteley, the RNLI Jersey Lifeguard Supervisor, will be available to answer questions. Please see the contact below to register.

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For more information please telephone Julie Rainey, Regional Media Manager on 07827 358 256 or [email protected] or Paul Dunt, Regional Media Officer on 07785 296 252 or [email protected]

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.

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