RNLI Lifeguards return to Jersey for 2024 season
It’s that time of year again, the upcoming Easter school holidays will see RNLI lifeguards return to patrol the beach at Le Braye on Jersey for the Easter holidays from Friday 29 March to Sunday 14 April.
RNLI lifeguards begin the season after a busy two weeks of pre-season training, which has included essential skills in casualty care, fitness testing, lifesaving skills in and out of the water and water craft operations.
RNLI lifeguards patrol six beaches in Jersey during the summer season. Le Braye will be patrolled from Friday 29 March to Sunday 14 April during the Easter holidays, then at weekends before going full time from Saturday 4 May to Sunday 3 November.
Daily patrols will recommence at El Tico and Watersplash at St Ouens, Plemont, Greve de Leq and St Brelade’s Bay from Saturday 25 May.
The RNLI works in partnership with the States of Jersey government each year to set up and roll out a lifeguard service, at their request. Setting up a lifeguard service each season for the States involves several different elements including recruiting and training lifeguards, and organising the logistics to deliver equipment to the beaches.
Jake Elms, Lead Lifeguard Supervisor in Jersey said:
‘RNLI lifeguards are at the forefront of the charity’s lifesaving work, keeping beach visitors safe on Jersey. The latest figures show that lifeguards dealt with 272 incidents and aided 369 people during last year’s season.
‘The RNLI has been working closely with the States of Jersey and local communities to ensure the beaches and lifeguard units are ready and equipped, and that lifeguard training has been performed seamlessly. During Storm Ciaran in November 2023, the El Tico Lifeguard building was damaged, therefore, the lifeguards will be operating from a temporary lifeguard unit between the existing El Tico lifeguard building and the El Tico restaurant.
‘Pre-season preparations are in full swing, and our lifeguards are eager to return to the beaches and do what they do best - offering preventative safety advice to visitors and rescuing those in difficulty in the water or on the beach itself.
‘Over the Easter period we advise that if you’re heading into the water, visit Le Braye, St Ouens where there will be a lifeguard service operating from 10am to 6pm. Good weather would be most welcome, however it’s important to remember that the water is usually at its coldest at this time of the year which increases the risk of cold-water shock.
‘Be prepared for whatever water activity you have planned, and always have a means of calling for help. We wish everyone a safe and happy Easter.’
The States of Jersey invest each year in keeping their beach visitors safe by contributing to RNLI costs, which helps to meet lifeguard wages, while the extensive training and equipment needed is provided by the charity through public donations.
Deputy Kirsten Morel, Minister for Sustainable Economic Development said:
‘I am thrilled to see the RNLI lifeguard team back on our beaches for the 2024 season. Their presence is vital in keeping islanders and visitors alike safe while they enjoy Jersey’s magnificent beaches and inshore waters. I would like to thank the entire RNLI team for their continued work to protect beachgoers during the summer season’.
The RNLI is urging anyone visiting the coast this spring to make sure they keep themselves and their families safe by following beach safety advice:
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Visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.
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Check the weather forecast, tide times and read local hazard signage to understand local risks.
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Keep a close eye on your family – on the beach and in the water – don’t allow your family to swim alone.
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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.
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In an emergency dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
Notes to editors:
Media are invited to the beach on Wednesday 27 March at 10am to see the lifeguards carrying out their training. Contact Archie on the details below to confirm.
Media contacts:
Archie Connolly-Media Engagement Placement-South West at [email protected] or 07977 468283.
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.
RNLI at 200
On 4 March 2024, the RNLI celebrated 200 years of saving lives at sea – thanks to volunteers giving their time to save others, all funded by voluntary public donations. Throughout its 200th anniversary year, the charity is running events and activities to commemorate its history, celebrate the lifesaving service it provides today, and inspire generations of future lifesavers and supporters. For more information visit RNLI.org/200.
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, Twitter 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.