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New Defibrillators For St Brelade's Bay

Wednesday, 27 December 2023 at 08:30

There will be two new defibrillators in St Brelade's Bay after local businesses rallied to raise money to buy the life-saving machines.

Absolute Adventures and Jono's Watersport organised a 10 day-long fundraiser to purchase the heart-starting equipment.

Sean Kinsella says they wanted to do something after witnessing several life-threatening situations.

"Over the years, there have been incidents where we have needed equipment like defibrillators because there have been some sad deaths in the bay.

Obviously we have the lifeguards on duty who do an amazing job down there, but they're not always there."

From October, the RNLI winds down its operations for the season and lifeguards are off duty until spring.

Those behind the fundraiser said it's important islanders have quick and easy access to defibrillators, especially with the current popularity of sea swimming at all times of the year.

Previously, the only defibrillator in the area was at St Brelade's Church, and was difficult to located for anyone who did not know it was there.

The fundraising efforts generated enough money to buy two defibrillators and enough spare parts and batteries to last up to ten years.

L'Horizon Hotel donated 25% of the funds needed for the life-saving equipment.

The hotel's general manager Thomas Burford credits Sean and Jono for encouraging local businesses and beach users to get involved.

"This equipment will help support the lifesaving work of the RNLI beach guards during the summer season and give everyone enjoying St Brelade’s Bay peace of mind all year round."

Any leftover money raised will go to the British Heart Foundation and to buy a training defibrillator to teach people how to use them.

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