Services had been due to start in April with a temporary patrol being implemented at Le Braye over the Easter half-term.
But, due to health and safety issues surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic, patrols in St Ouen’s Bay did not officially commence until 23 May. However, lifeguards did run a voluntary, unofficial service.
An ‘observational-only’ patrol was implemented in St Brelade’s Bay a few days later.
Grève de Lecq and Plémont have been left without cover while lifeguards have tested new procedures and techniques aimed at preventing the spread of Covid-19.
But Jake Elms, lead lifeguard supervisor, now says that a full, albeit adapted service, will operate on all of the beaches that they patrol.
‘The first few weeks of having lifeguards back at 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,’ he said.
‘It has 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 would usually be on in Jersey from this weekend.
‘Thanks also to Jersey Coastguard and the Government of Jersey and our other partners on the Island who have also worked hard to help us get patrols up and running.’
According to the RNLI, who run the service, beachgoers will notice marked differences, with lifeguards wearing PPE in certain situations and may not use the red and yellow flags to ensure swimmers are spaced far enough apart. Lifeguards may also not carry out some minor first-aid procedures and instead direct patients how to help themselves.
Assistant Economic Development Minister Steve Pallett 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 Brelade’s Bay Hotel for their support in repositioning the lifeguard station on their property at short notice for this season.’
