Select a region
A pair of St Brelade's Bay watersports companies have successfully installed two defibrillators in the bay following a community fundraiser bolstered by a sizeable donation from a nearby hotel.
Absolute Adventure and Jono's Watersports launched their fundraising campaign earlier this month to raise £4,000 to cover the cost of installing two potentially life-saving defibrillators at opposite ends of St Brelade's Bay.
They wanted to address the shortage of life-saving devices in the area and make the beach a safer place.
Pictured: During a sudden cardiac arrest, an automated external defibrillator delivers an electric shock to the heart to restore normal rhythm.
After the fundraiser hit its target, one defibrillator was installed near Solshine Cafe and the Oyster Box restaurant last week, and the other has been recently mounted at The Beach Club restaurant.
Operations Manager of Absolute Adventure, Sean Kinsella said: “We have recognised the need for additional public defibrillators as the only others are in the hotels or church, which is too far from the beach.”
Jono’s Watersports’ Jonathan Steventon added: “There have been multiple scenarios where you have had unfortunate situations on the beach and time is of the essence to get to somebody.
“Having a defibrillator at each end of the bay is great to have that little bit of reassurance that life could be saved.
“We also hope to increase signage pointing people in the direction of the AEDs so that they know where they are.”
WATCH: Sean Kinsella of Absolute Adventures and Jonathan Steventon of Jono’s Watersports discuss the launch of their fundraising campaign.
L’Horizon Beach Hotel and Spa recently donated £1,000 to the fundraiser to ensure the safety of guests and locals on the beach.
The hotel's General Manager, Thomas Burford said: “Sean and Jono have really encouraged local businesses and beach users to get involved and we were really keen to help them raise both the funds needed and awareness that these defibrillators are in public areas and could potentially save a life.
“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.”
Pictured: Operations manager of Absolute Adventure, Sean Kinsella.
Sean said: "We are so grateful and blown away by such a generous donation from L'Horizon.
"It shows us that the community spirit in the bay is stronger than ever.
"Everyone works really hard in the bay to show all visitors a wonderful and safe experience.”
Pictured: Jonathan shared the news that both devices had been installed on social media.
Any additional money raised from the fundraiser will be donated to the local charity Heart Support Group to contribute to improving cardiac care on the island.
An additional defibrillator was recently installed in the parish after an 11-year-old raised enough money to install one in his home estate by doing chores and selling apples.
You can still donate to the fundrasier HERE.
Additional funds will be donated to local charity Heart Support Group.
WATCH: Do you know how to use a defibrillator? Here's how...
Comments
Comments on this story express the views of the commentator only, not Bailiwick Publishing. We are unable to guarantee the accuracy of any of those comments.