Local Lifeguards Ready for Summer Season on Jersey

Lifeguards are returning to Jersey's beaches as the RNLI celebrates 15 years of coastal patrols. After completing final training and fitness checks, the lifeguards are set to resume their duties on Thursday at Le Braye in St. Ouen. This service, staffed entirely by local individuals, is vital for beach safety during the peak summer months.

In the past year, RNLI lifeguards and lifeboats provided assistance to nearly 600 individuals across the Channel Islands, resulting in 10 lives saved. Lifeguard supervisor Tim Tredent highlighted the importance of local knowledge and continuous training, including induction programs covering fitness, jet-ski, and 4x4 operations. The team focuses on educating the public, particularly children, about safe sea practices, including identifying the safest swimming areas marked by red and yellow flags.

With Jersey experiencing some of the world's largest tides, a key focus for the lifeguards is educating beachgoers about tidal cut-offs and the importance of checking tide times. Senior lifeguard Claudia Cosgrove emphasized the value of the service, stating the island would be significantly impacted without it during the busy summer season. She also encouraged young aspiring lifeguards to gain water confidence and engage with lifeguards to learn more about the profession.