Jersey RNLI lifeguards will continue patrols on Le Braye throughout October
From Sunday (26 September) RNLI lifeguards will conclude their service at St Brelade’s Bay but will continue a weekend-only patrol on Le Braye up until October half term (23-31 October), when they will resume a daily lifeguard service.
During the peak summer season, RNLI lifeguards operate on four beaches across the island to reflect the increase in beach users, giving people a wide range of choice when planning a visit to the coast.
As we move away from summer, the lifesaving charity use a staggered approach to withdraw the lifeguard service based on a variety of factors including visitor numbers, previous incident statistics and local hazards.
Jersey RNLI lifeguards will continue to operate between 10am-6pm on Le Braye over the weekends in October up until the half-term week (23-31 October), where they will resume daily lifeguard cover.
Nathan Elms, RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor in Jersey says,
‘This time of year the sea temperature is at it’s warmest, and we tend to see an increase in swell, which means bigger more consistent waves, which can increase the power and frequency of rip currents.
Even the most experienced beachgoers and swimmers can be caught out by rips. If you ever find yourself caught in a rip, try and remember the following safety advice, don’t try to swim against it or you will get exhausted. If you can stand, wade and don’t swim. If you can, swim parallel to the shore until free of the rip and then head for shore. If you can, always raise your hand and shout for help.
People using the beaches and heading in the water here in Jersey can help keep themselves safe. Know your limits and don’t push beyond them as that’s when you can get into danger. Take note of safety signage at the entrance to the beach and understand the local hazards. Always check the conditions and tide times before you leave and never enter the water alone.
If you can, always swim at a lifeguarded beach between the red and yellow flags. Keep a close eye on your friends and family and if you ever see anyone in trouble in the water, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.’
The charity has recently launched the RNLI Lifeguard Appeal with the aim of raising the funds needed to train the lifeguards to carry out their vital work.
Dave Nicoll, Fundraising and Partnership Lead for the appeal says,
‘RNLI lifeguards in Jersey have been working extremely hard throughout spring and summer to deliver a world-class lifeguard service which is continuing into autumn.
If you were helped by a RNLI lifeguard this summer, or if you simply want to make a kind donation, please visit our JustGiving page.
Without the generosity of your donations, they wouldn’t be able to stand on the beach keeping people safe.’
RNLI volunteer lifeboat crews have been operating alongside the lifeguards throughout summer and continue to be on call 24/7 ready to respond to emergencies when their pager goes off.
To make a donation to the RNLI’s South West Lifeguard Appeal, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/SW-Lifeguard-Appeal-2021
To find your nearest lifeguarded beach visit: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeguarded-beaches
Notes to editors
· Please find attached an image of a RNLI lifeguard on look-out in Jersey (credit: RNLI)
· To support the RNLI’s lifeguard appeal, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/SW-Lifeguard-Appeal-2021
· Follow the link to see which beaches are currently lifeguarded https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/beaches-with-lifeguards-on-patrol
· To support the RNLI’s lifesavers, go to: www.rnli.org/donate
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Media Engagement Placement (south west) on [email protected] or 07902 975993, or Amy Caldwell, Regional Media Manager on 07920 818807 or [email protected]. Alternatively, please contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 or [email protected].
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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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