THE RNLI Jersey has issued sea safety advice to Islanders on World Drowning Prevention Day.
As the school summer holidays begin, the RNLI is reminding sailors to wear a lifejacket and have a means of communication when on board.
Islanders should also make sure any leisure activity plans, such as paddleboarding and surfing, are shared with someone beforehand along with an expected return time.
World Drowning Prevention Day is a global awareness initiative coordinated by the World Health Organisation which takes place on 25 July every year.
The RNLI also highlighted the importance of swimming between the flags on lifeguarded beaches, which can “make a lifesaving difference”, especially as they become busier during the holidays.
A spokesperson for the RNLI Jersey said the Island also had specific challenges to contend with, including the large tidal range.
“All visitors to the coast should make themselves aware of the tide times and heights to ensure that they don’t find themselves cut off by accident,” they said.
The RNLI’s Float to Live campaign (see right) is a key part of their messaging on World Drowning Prevention Day.
“40% of accidental drownings which happened in 2022 occurred to people who had no intention of entering the water,” the spokesperson added.
Last year, the RNLI Jersey’s volunteer crew spent 730 hours at sea, either responding to call-outs or on training exercises.
Between their all-weather and inshore lifeboats, they responded to 36 calls.
The RNLI’s inshore lifeboat at St Catherine’s responded to a further 15 shouts in 2023.
Islanders can call 999 and ask for the coastguard to report an emergency.
Float to Live
If you get into trouble in the water, “Float to Live”:
– Tilt your head back with ears submerged and try to relax and control your breathing
– Use your hands to help you stay afloat and then call for help or swim to safety if you can
– It’s OK if your legs sink. We all float differently
In a coastal emergency, call 999 and ask for the coastguard
Be safe this summer
Jersey has four lifeguarded beaches:
– St Ouen (at Le Braye, El Tico and the Watersplash)
– St Brelade
– Plémont
– Grève de Lecq
