RNLI issue water safety advice as lifeguards start patrols on Jersey’s beaches
RNLI lifeguards are preparing to start patrols on more of Jersey’s beaches this weekend. As the half term and Platinum Jubilee Bank Holiday celebrations approach, the charity is reminding everybody to stay safe by the coast including the Float to Live technique that will help save your life.
Lifeguard patrols begin at St Brelade’s, Plemont and Greve de Lecq from Saturday (28 May).
Jake Elms, RNLI Lead Lifeguard Supervisor for Jersey, says: ‘With community plans afoot for the Platinum Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend and the start of the half-term holidays, we’re expecting the beaches in Jersey to be getting busier.
‘We want everyone to enjoy their trip to the beach or coast but we also want to make sure people stay safe and know what to do in an emergency.
‘It is important that anyone visiting the coast, for any activity understands the risks of the environment. It can be very unpredictable, particularly during early summer when the risk of cold water shock significantly increases, as air temperatures warm but water temperatures remain dangerously cold.
‘If you get into trouble in the water, Float to Live: lean back, using your arms and legs to stay afloat. Control your breathing, then call for help or swim to safety. In a coastal emergency, call 999 or 112 for the Coastguard.
‘Last year, 175,000 people visited the RNLI lifeguarded beaches in Jersey and we’re expecting summer 2022 to be just as busy.
‘We'd like to remind people to visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags. RNLI lifeguards in Jersey aided 262 people in 2021, so just following this simple piece of advice can be lifesaving.’
For further information on the water safety campaign visit: www.RNLI.org/FloatUK2022
Notes to editors
- To confirm your attendance please email Emma Haines, RNLI Regional Media Officer at [email protected]
- RNLI lifeguards will be on the following additional beaches across Jersey from Saturday 28 May; Watersplash St Ouen’s, Greve de Lecq, Plemont and St. Brelade’s Bay.
- A full list of RNLI lifeguarded beaches can be found here: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeguarded-beaches
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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