Jersey schools welcome back the RNLI’s ‘Meet the Lifeguards’ programme

Following successful Easter patrols, RNLI lifeguards have spent the last few weeks visiting 25 schools in Jersey as part of the ‘Meet the Lifeguards’ programme and estimate that they’ve spoken to nearly 3,000 pupils about how to best stay safe on the beach.

RNLI lifeguards will return to Le Braye beach on Saturday 3 May as daily patrols for the summer season get underway. RNLI lifeguards will also return to El Tico, Watersplash, Plémont, Grève de Lecq and St Brelade's Bay from Saturday 24 May.

Children in local schools have been learning about the importance of swimming at a lifeguarded beach, what the different flags mean, how to Float to Live if they get into trouble in the water, how to spot and escape a rip current and what to do in an emergency.

Tim Treloar, Water Safety Education Manager for the south west, said: ‘Our lifeguards have really enjoyed returning to schools this year. This programme is very important to us leading up to the summer season where we see so many families bring their children to the wonderful beaches in this area. It encourages families to plan their visit and to choose a lifeguarded beach.

‘We teach the children about how to Float to Live, the risks in the water and on the beach, and how to seek help in an emergency. We aim to increase children’s awareness of the potential dangers that exist around the coast, such as being aware of the weather conditions and changing tides, along with the ability to identify beach flags.’

With an increase in visitors to beaches expected as we head into the Early May Bank Holiday weekend, the RNLI is urging the public to choose a lifeguarded beach where possible.

Gareth Morrison, Head of Water Safety for the RNLI said: ‘With the warm weather forecast this week, we want to remind everyone to stay safe when visiting the coast. Whilst the air temperature will be high, water temperature remain dangerously cold.

‘If possible, choose a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.

‘If you get into trouble in the water, Float to Live; tilt your head back with ears submerged and try to relax and control your breathing. Use your hands to help you stay afloat and then call for help or swim to safety if you can. It's OK if your legs sink, we all float differently.

‘In any coastal emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.’

Media contacts:

For more information, please contact Adam Cleary Communications Placement on [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on [email protected] or 01202 336789. Alternatively, you can contact Emma Haines, Regional Communications Manager, [email protected] or 07786 668847; Amy Caldwell, Regional Communications Lead, [email protected] or 07920 818807

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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