Look who’s back! RNLI lifeguards set to return to Jersey for 2022 season

from Saturday 30 April until the end of September.

Patrols at Plemont, Greve de Lecq and St Brelade’s Bay begin on Saturday 28 May.

For the last two weeks RNLI lifeguards have been busy with their pre-season inductions where they refresh their skills in casualty care, lifesaving skills in and out of the water, water craft operations and fitness testing.

RNLI figures reveal that in 2021, RNLI lifeguards in Jersey dealt with 230 incidents and aided 262 people.

Jake Elms, Lead Lifeguard Supervisor on Jersey, said: ‘The return of RNLI lifeguards for the Easter holidays is always a welcome sign and signals that summer is nearly upon us. Our team on Jersey have been working hard to ensure the beaches and lifeguard units are ready and equipped, and our lifeguards are trained to the highest standard. Pre-season preparations have gone well and our lifeguards are looking forward to getting back on the beaches and doing what they do best - offering preventative safety advice to visitors and rescuing those in difficulty in the water or on the beach itself.

‘We’re hopeful for good weather but it’s important to remember that the water is usually at its coldest at this time of the year and therefore increasing the risk of cold water shock. Also, the winter weather might have altered the conditions at your local beach, so it's important to familiarise yourself with any hazards.

‘We'd urge people to head to an RNLI lifeguarded beach this Easter and speak to the lifeguards to find out the local risks, tides and weather conditions. Be prepared for whatever water activity you have planned, and always have a means of calling for help. We wish you a safe and happy Easter.’

Deputy Hugh Raymond, Assistant Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture in Jersey adds: ‘I would like to thank the entire RNLI beach lifeguard team for their continued work to keep Islanders safe during the summer season, and I am pleased to welcome them back to Jersey for 2022.’

The RNLI is urging anyone visiting the coast this summer to make sure they keep themselves and their families safe by following beach safety advice:

· Visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.

· Check the weather forecast, tide times and read local hazard signage to understand local risks.

· Keep a close eye on your family – on the beach and in the water – don’t allow your family to swim alone.

· If you fall into the water unexpectedly, FLOAT TO LIVE. Fight your instinct to thrash around, lean back, extend your arms and legs, and float.

· In an emergency dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

If you are a local business near the coast you can help the RNLI share key water safety messages and save lives by becoming a local ambassador. As a local ambassador you can help be the eyes and ears in your community by helping the RNLI share important water safety messages with more people. To find out more visit: https://rnli.org/support-us/volunteer/volunteering-opportunities/rnli-local-ambassador

Notes to editors

· Media are invited to watch lifeguard training on the RWCs at Le Braye on Thursday 7 April at 11am. Jake Elms will also be available for interview. Please contact Becky/Emma on the numbers below to confirm your attendance.

o Season dates will vary from Easter onwards and so people should visit the RNLI website for the most up to date information on when their chosen beach will be lifeguarded

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Becky Bright, RNLI Media Engagement Placement (South West) on 07929673281 or [email protected]. or Emma Haines, Regional Media Officer on 07786668847 or [email protected]. Alternatively, please contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 or [email protected].

RNLI online

For more information, please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the RNLI News Centre.

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 over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, 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 142,700 lives.

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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.