RNLI unveils brand new lifesaving hub

Friday 02 February 2018

Local lifeguards will no longer have to send their equipment back to the UK after a busy summer season, after a new hub for them to train, debrief after incidents and look after their salt and sand-covered gear was unveiled yesterday.

The RNLI’s new Lifesaving Support Centre was officially opened yesterday by RNLI Chairman Stuart Popham and Constable Steve Pallett, Assistant Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture to an audience of local volunteers, donors and guests.

Located at Beaumont Industrial Park, it is hoped that the purpose-built new facility will be easily accessible from all parts of the island. 

Pictured: RNLI Chairman Stuart Popham and Constable Steve Pallett opened the centre.

Until now, there was no central facility for the island’s RNLI lifeguards, a fixture on Jersey beaches since 2011. Using the new centre, they’ll now begin preparing for the 2018 summer season. 

The RNLI hope the new centre will also help them share their lifesaving expertise with the wider community by opening it up to local groups to use.

Rob Stuteley, Lifeguard Supervisor for Jersey, commented: “The centre offers space for essential activities such as casualty care training and post-incident debriefs, and means equipment can be serviced, maintained and stored safely. Salt and sand-covered vehicles and equipment can be washed down, giving them a longer life, and equipment no longer needs to be transported back to the UK at the end of each season and returned the following year."

Pictured: Local volunteers, donors and guests turned out to the official opening yesterday.

He added: “The centre’s opening means that after early or late season training, lifeguards can shower and warm up. The centre will make a huge difference to our lifeguards and to the role they play in lifesaving across the island.”