The following news release was issued by the RNLI on Friday 12.06.20:

RNLI lifeguards will be patrolling St Brelade, Plemont, and Greve de Lecq from this Saturday (13 June). This is alongside the service already in operation at St Ouen. 

Jake Elms, RNLI Lead Lifeguard Supervisor for Jersey says:

‘The first few weeks of having lifeguards back on St Ouen’s has helped us properly test the new ways of working and equipment introduced as a result of Coronavirus, and despite the continuing challenges created by the pandemic, we are now confident we can provide a more comprehensive lifeguard service this summer safely.

‘It had taken a lot of hard work by the whole team to get to this point but we are really pleased to be able to provide safety cover on all the beaches we’d usually be on in Jersey from this weekend. Thanks also to Jersey Coastguard and Jersey Government and our other partners on the island who have also worked hard to help us get patrols up and running.’

In order ensure the safety of the lifeguards and public at this time, the charity has had to ensure lifeguards are equipped with the appropriate PPE and have received training and support in new operating procedures and precautions needed to manage the challenges of Coronavirus alongside the other demands of their role.

This means the public may have noticed that the lifeguard service looks a little different this year. Lifeguards will wear PPE similar to ambulance crews in some situations. New protocols for all first responders mean the lifeguards may not deal with some minor first aid cases but will support people to treat themselves. They will also try to keep socially distant from beach goers, and may need to adopt different patrol methods at times, such as not using the red and yellow flags and asking people to keep apart but close to shore, to help keep people safe while maintaining social distancing.

Senator Steve Pallett, Assistant Minister, said:

‘On behalf of the island I would like to thank the work of the RNLI, in particular the local team, and Jersey Coastguard, for their hard work and dedication in getting the full service operational under current pressures, I would also like to thank the St Brelades Bay Hotel for their support in repositioning the lifeguard station on their property at short notice for this season.’

Jersey Coastguard said:

‘We welcome the news that the RNLI Beach Lifeguards will complete their roll out at local beaches this weekend. The RNLI Beach Lifeguard service provides a crucial capability within the local SAR community and we look forward to working closely with Jake and his team again this year. We would like to offer our thanks to the RNLI and the local Beach Lifeguards for their commitment in getting the beaches patrolled, taking into account the challenges faced by the COVID-19 pandemic.’

Anyone planning a visit to the coast should remember and follow RNLI safety advice:

• Have a plan – check the weather forecast, tide times and read local hazard signage
• Keep a close eye on your family – on the beach and in the water
• Don’t allow your family to swim alone
• Don’t use inflatables
• 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