Apology after dirty water dumped near Guernsey swimmers

Friday 24 March 2023

A group of Guernsey sea swimmers had their daily dip cut short earlier this week after a waste truck driver mistakenly dumped dirty water near them.

The water collected by States Works would normally be discharged into the sea at Mont Cuet, an area where swimmers are much less likely to be - but was instead released at the harbour at Salerie Corner, a hotspot for dippers.

The tanker had been collecting water while road sweeping along the front early on Wednesday morning.

States Works said a lot of water had been drained from the roads, including some debris left on the roads when the waves had overtopped the sea wall between Bulwer Avenue and Salerie Corner. The vehicle's tank was then emptied into the water at Salerie. 

However, a group of sea swimmers in the area at the time were caught up in the sudden discharge of dirty water which also made leaving the water using the slipway difficult so they had to use the steps which was tricky during the swell at the time.

Pictured: The water was discharged into the sea at Salerie Corner and while it soon dispersed, and no long term problems were caused, an apology has been issued to swimmers using the harbour at the time.

Commenting on the matter, States Works Senior Manager (Operations) Mark Torode, said debris collected along some sections of the west coast following storms or high tides can be returned to the beach, but this was not the procedure for the east coast.

“We are very sorry for this occurrence, and in particular we apologise to any swimmers who were in the area at the time," he said.

"This was not in accordance with our procedures and we will be reinforcing the correct process with all our drivers.”