RNLI lifeguards return to keep Jersey beaches safe for 2019

RNLI lifeguards will make a welcome return to Le Braye on Saturday (6 April) as patrols for the 2019 summer season get underway. Last year, RNLI lifeguards in Jersey responded to 238 incidents and helped 275 people.

As in previous years, RNLI lifeguards have spent the last few weeks receiving world class training and being taught a variety of life-saving techniques so that they are ready for the start of the new season.

Jake Elms, RNLI Lead Lifeguard Supervisor, says:

‘It’s that time again when the RNLI lifeguards make a welcome return to Jersey. We’re hopeful for sunshine this Easter, but whatever the weather throws at us, we can expect the beaches to be busy with visitors and locals enjoying their holidays.

‘If you are planning on getting in the water, it’s worth remembering the sea temperature is still very cold so it’s important people wear a suitable wetsuit and bring warm clothes to change into.

'We urge beachgoers to head to a RNLI lifeguarded beach and to swim and bodyboard in the supervised area marked out by the red and yellow flags. Try and stay within your depth and follow the lifeguard’s advice. If you get into trouble, stick your hand in the air and shout for help. If you see someone else in trouble, tell a lifeguard, or if you can’t see a lifeguard, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.

‘It’s also important to check the tide times, which are at harbour offices and at the entrance to all RNLI lifeguarded beaches or by searching your nearest beach online. Always take a means of calling for help in case you should get caught out.’

Senator Steve Pallett, Assistant Minister, EDTSC, said:

'The RNLI Lifeguards are a reassuring presence on our beaches. The RNLI provide Jersey with a fantastic service and are an essential part of our Search and Rescue (SAR) community helping locals and visitors make the most of our coastline’

Lifeguards patrols will begin next month on beaches at St Ouen’s Bay, Watersplash,Plemont, Greve de Lecq and St Brelade’s Bay.

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For more information please contact Oliver Wrynne-Simpson, Regional Media Officer, on 07795127351 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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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

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