RNLI urges public to stay safe ahead of May half-term week in Jersey

RNLI lifeguards in Jersey will return to five beaches on Saturday 24 May and will remain in place until Sunday 28 September.

Lifeguards will return to El Tico, Watersplash, Plémont, Gréve de Lecq and St Brelade’s Bay as daily patrols for the summer season begin, following on from Le Braye beach which saw RNLI lifeguards return on Saturday 3 May.

Last year RNLI lifeguards responded to 332 incidents on Jersey beaches, helping 434 people and saving two lives.

Regional Lifeguard Lead, Henry Saddler-Irvine, said: ‘If you are planning a trip to the coast this summer, we strongly advise visiting a beach with RNLI lifeguards and swimming between the red and yellow flags.

‘Our lifeguards have been working hard with their training to prepare for the new season, and they are excited to return to the beaches of Jersey on Saturday 24 May.

‘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.

‘Our friendly lifeguards will be at El Tico, Watersplash, Plémont, Gréve de Lecq, St Brelade’s Bay and Le Braye beach every day between 10am and 6pm throughout the summer and will be more than happy to pass on their expert knowledge about the local beach risks, tides and weather conditions.’

The single piece of advice which the RNLI is urging the public to remember, share and practise is: If you find yourself struggling in water, Float to Live.

Emmie Seward-Adams, South West Water Safety Delivery Support, says:

‘Instinctively, most people who find themselves struggling in the water will begin to panic, swim, or thrash about. We’re urging people to ignore this instinct and remember to float: Tilt your head back, with your ears submerged. Relax and try to breathe normally. Move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat if you need to. It’s fine if your legs sink – we all float differently. By doing this, you give yourself the chance to rest and recover your breathing. Once you’ve regained control of your breathing, you can call for help or swim to safety.

‘The seas around our coasts are cold enough year-round to trigger cold water shock, while waves and rip currents can overpower even the most experienced water users. This advice could be a lifesaver for anyone who is heading to the water – even those who are experienced, and those who have no plans to enter the water.’

The charity’s advice for anyone struggling in the water is ‘Float to Live’:

· Tilt your head back, with your ears submerged

· Relax and try to breathe normally

· Move your hands and feet to help you stay afloat

· It’s fine if your legs sink, we all float differently

· Practise floating in a local pool if you can.

If you see someone else struggling in water:

· Call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.

· Tell the person to relax and float on their back.

· Throw something buoyant to help them stay afloat

You can find your nearest RNLI lifeguarded beach here - https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeguarded-beaches

Notes to editors:

Jersey beaches patrolled from May 24:

El Tico (Saturday 24 May – Sunday 28 September)

Watersplash (Saturday 24 May – Sunday 28 September)

Plémont (Saturday 24 May – Sunday 14 September)

Gréve de Lecq (Saturday 24 May – Sunday 14 September)

St Brelade’s Bay (Saturday 24 May – Sunday 28 September)

Media contacts:

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

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 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.