For the first time in Jersey, RNLI lifeguard patrols have been extended to include the autumn half-term.
From this weekend until Sunday 1 November the lifeguards will patrol Le Braye beach from 10 am to 5 pm.
There will be no lifeguard cover at any other beaches.
However, the forecasters are not predicting beach weather, with showers and brisk winds being predicted.
The sea temperature is currently about 14.5°C.
2013: 355 incidents
2012: 197 incidents (two lives saved)
2011: 207 incidents (two lives saved)
Jersey Met Office duty forecaster Mark Le Cornu said: ‘The weather is looking fairly changeable, with the best day being Sunday.
‘We are expecting winds from the west or south-west.
‘As the week progresses there will be an area of low pressure near Ireland that will bring some rain and showers, certainly for the first half of next week.
‘The winds will be fairly brisk – we are looking at a moderate force four, fresh five or even a strong six.
‘But temperatures will be comfortably around the mid-teens.’
Will Glenn, RNLI lifeguard supervisor, said that the decision to patrol Le Braye in October follows on from extended patrols in the Easter holidays.
‘Over the half-term we would encourage anyone who is planning to swim in the sea to come to Le Braye, where our lifeguards will be on hand to offer advice and help keep people safe.
‘The sea can be unpredictable, but with the lifeguards on duty we can respond rapidly if someone gets into trouble.
‘Those who can’t make it to a lifeguarded beach can keep safe by taking note of the safety signs at the entrance to the beach, going with a friend, or telling someone on the shore where they are going.
‘People should always be aware of the conditions and their own capabilities in the water.
‘Those who enjoy walking and exploring the coastline should also check the tide times.’
If you someone in difficulty, phone 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
- The RNLI has been providing lifeguard cover on Jerseys beaches since 2011.
- RNLI lifeguards patrol over 200 beaches around the UK and Channel Islands.
- In 2014, they responded to 17,050 incidents with 19,353 people aided.
- To become a lifeguard, you must meet RNLI fitness standards, which include being able to complete a 200m pool swim in under 3.5 minutes, a 400m swim in under 7.5 minutes and a 200m beach run in under 40 seconds.
- According to the RNLI, ‘a good lifeguard rarely gets wet’ – 95% of a lifeguard’s work is preventative.
- In 2014, they responded to 17,050 incidents with 19,353 people aided.
- In 2010, former Economic Development Minister, Alan Maclean said that the RNLI were willing to provide cover for £80,000 less than the States of Jersey-run service.
- Many Islanders were outraged at the spending cuts and believed that it could jeopardise the standard of the lifeguards.
- A petition was started by Andrew Hosegood, owner of El Tico Beach Cantina and Nick Durbano, owner of Laneez Surf Centre, to prevent the switch to the RNLI.
