Coastguards Issue Riptide Warning

Tuesday, 25 July 2023 at 08:30

Jersey Coastguards are reminding people about the dangers of sea swimming without the right knowledge.

Islanders are encouraged to 'go blue' to raise awareness for World Drowning Prevention Day, which will see Fort Regent lit in the same colour.

Before taking a dip, the coastguards and RNLI lifeguards want people to scrub up on their sea safety.

It includes looking at tide times, telling people where you are going beforehand and taking a means of communication with you.

Coastguard and VTS Officer, Luke de la Haye, says dangers include rip currents, which are often misjudged as calm water to swim in, as waves do not tend to break.

"The strong tidal flow is also a risk for people. Even though it's July now, the sea is still quite cold so there can be a risk of cold water shock.

We urge people to tell someone and never swim alone, go in pairs or a group and make it a social event if they're swimming"

Luke says sea safety awareness is important as everyone heads down to the beaches this summer.

"There are many things we can all do to minimise the risk of drowning, and if you are worried about someone who’s in trouble in the water, just call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

We investigate all reports we receive, and you could be making the difference between life and death."

The coastguards are frequently alerted to paddle boarders being swept out to sea and people who have swum out too far.

The lifeguards recorded 329 incidents in 2022 where islanders and holidaymakers got into trouble in the water and ripe currents.