RNLI release Channel Islands rescue figures ahead of Easter

St Helier lifeboat stations launched 103 times, aided 155 people and saved eight lives.

As the Easter school holidays approach, RNLI lifesavers are preparing for a busy period with the charity’s lifeguards ready to return to Jersey’s beaches. From Saturday 5 to Monday 21 April, Le Braye beach at St Ouen will be patrolled daily.

This comes after several weeks of rigorous training for the lifeguard team, which has included essential skills in casualty care, fitness testing, lifesaving skills in and out of the water and watercraft operations to ensure lifeguards are fully prepared to keep beachgoers safe this Easter.

The charity’s volunteer lifeboat crews have also been gearing up for a busy season ahead. 2024 stats reveal that some of the more common incidents volunteers responded to involved small sailing and motor craft with mechanical failure, other frequent shouts involved paddleboarders and kayakers caught out by the conditions.

The RNLI is urging anyone visiting the coast this Spring to be prepared for whatever water activity you have planned and to heed the following safety advice:

§ Check your vessel or equipment

§ Wear a lifejacket and have a means of calling for help

§ Visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the 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.

Aaron White, Seasonal Lifeguard Supervisor in Jersey and his team have 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. He says:

‘RNLI lifeguards are at the forefront of the charity’s lifesaving work, keeping beach visitors safe in Jersey. The latest figures show that lifeguards on the island dealt with 332 incidents and aided 434 people during last year’s season.

‘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 at St Ouen 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.’

RNLI lifeguards patrol six beaches in Jersey during the summer season. Le Braye will be patrolled daily for the two-week Easter holidays from Saturday 5 to Monday 21 April, then over the weekend of 26 – 27 April before returning to daily patrols from Saturday 3 May.

Daily patrols will recommence at El Tico and Watersplash at St Ouen, Plemont, Greve de Leq and St Brelade’s Bay from Saturday 24 May.

Minister for Sustainable Economic Development, Deputy Kirsten Morel:

‘The RNLI lifeguard team plays a critical role in ensuring Islanders’ safety on Jersey's beautiful coastline, and their presence reassures all those who are enjoying our beaches and waters. The Government of Jersey is deeply grateful for the RNLI’s long-standing commitment to our community, and we look forward to continuing our partnership throughout the 2025 season.’

ENDS

Notes to editors:

· Please find attached a picture of RNLI lifeguards training, credit Dave Ferguson

· 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.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Amy Caldwell, RNLI Regional Communications Lead 07920818807 or [email protected] or Emma Haines, RNLI Regional Communications Manager [email protected] [email protected] or contact RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789

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

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