The RNLI, which usually provides cover in St Ouen’s Bay, St Brelade’s Bay, Plémont and Grève de Lecq from May to September, says it is in negotiations with the government, but that the resumption of its normal service ‘will take some time’.
Islanders have expressed concern on social media that people could be put at risk as they return to unpatrolled beaches during the easing of the lockdown.
In a statement, the RNLI, which had been due to start its beach lifeguard service at Le Braye at the start of the Easter holidays before the full service began this month, said: ‘Rollout of the normal seasonal lifeguard service in Jersey was paused at the end of March due to the measures put in place by the Government of Jersey to control the spread of coronavirus. This meant that the operational logistics and training behind setting up a lifeguard service also had to stop.
‘Following the changes to the stay-at-home order by the Government of Jersey, the RNLI has been working with the government and Jersey Coastguard to look at plans to resume a lifeguard service in Jersey as soon as practical.
‘Re-establishing this infrastructure will take time and we must also make sure that conditions are safe for our lifeguards to provide an effective service. Our priority remains the safety of our people and the public and we will work with the government and Jersey Coastguard to ensure the environment lifeguards return to is safe, and appropriate precautions are in place.’
Sunshine and warm weather is being forecast for this weekend and the RNLI are reminding Islanders to take care if they are planning on heading to the coast.
A spokesperson said: ‘At present there are no RNLI lifeguards on beaches, and although our volunteer lifeboat crews are still operational, should they be needed, it is important that anyone visiting the coast understands the risk and takes the necessary steps to keep themselves safe and reduce the demands placed on our lifeboat crews and other emergency services, including the coastguard.
‘That way we can work together to succeed in ensuring the coast is a safe place to visit.’
Meanwhile, in a statement, a spokesperson from the government said: ‘We are working closely with the RNLI and Jersey Coastguard to roll out the beach lifeguard service at the earliest opportunity.
‘Currently, there are no RNLI lifeguards on duty on any of the Island beaches. We ask Islanders to follow the advice from the coastguard.’
