Ocean jumps at chance to lap up some miles and promote sea safety

Sunday 17 July 2016

A ten year-old swimmer, aptly named Ocean Brown, is lapping up some miles for charity and helping to promote sea safety this Summer.

The St Clement's School pupil who is a member of the Jersey Long Distance Swimming Club jumped at the chance to take on the 30 Bays in 30 Days challenge - the big fundraising dip to raise money for Jersey Hospice Care and The National Trust.

Ocean said: “I love to swim in the sea and the thought of being able to swim every single day with my friends and family, whilst raising money to help people who are not as lucky as me, makes me feel happy!” 

Ocean has been swimming every day since the two charities set Islanders the challenge of swimming 30 strokes in each of the Island's bays and she's been learning how to clock up some miles safely in the sea thanks to her swimming coach Sally Minty-Gravett and JLDSC.

The youngster has these tips from Jersey Coastguard, the RNLI Lifeguard and Jersey Fire & Rescue to help make sure you stay safe when you take a dip:

1. Always swim or surf at a beach patrolled by lifesavers or lifeguards. 

2. Swim between the Red and Yellow flags that are marked out as the safest area to swim and are patrolled by the lifeguard.

3. Avoid swimming alone or unsupervised.

4. Read the signs. If the beach is closed don’t swim there.

5. If you are unsure of the sea conditions, ask a lifeguard.

6. Don’t swim directly after a meal.

7. Don’t swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

8. Don’t jump or dive into the water of an unknown depth.

9. If you get into trouble in the water, don’t panic, just raise one arm, float and wait until help arrives.

10. Float with a rip current or underflow, don’t swim against it.

11. Always check the tide times and let someone on shore know where you intend to be and at what time. 

You can support Ocean on her 30 Bays in 30 days challenge here.

If you want to take on the challenge like Ocean, it’s £10 for adults to take part and £5 if you are under 18. Families of five can register for £20 and it’s £50 for a corporate team or any other team of five.

You can find out more about registering here.