Four rescued from sea at St Ouen’s

Tuesday 23 August 2016

Four people were rescued from the sea at St Ouen's this morning.

The RNLI lifeguards were setting up for the morning shift when they were called to a rescue at 09:30.

A member of the public alerted the lifeguards to three females and one male, who were surfing and swimming when they got caught in a big swell and backwash at high tide. RNLI lifeguards, along with a member of the public who was surfing at the time, went to their aid. 

RNLI lifeguards Alex Vibert and Chantelle Coote picked up the male and one of the teenage girls on their rescue boards and paddled them over 1km to the nearest safety point. 

Meanwhile a local bar manager who was surfing helped a third female on to the slipway. The other teenager was able to make it safely back to the shore.

All of the casualties were assessed by lifeguards once they were safely back on the beach. Fortunately, none of them needed any further treatment and the girls were reunited with their parents. 

Senior RNLI lifeguard Mr Vibert said: "With Spring tides the water can move quicker than usual which can often catch people out. We want people to enjoy the beaches but we’d always advise that beachgoers swim and bathe at lifeguarded beaches during patrols hours which is 10-7pm in peak season.

"Lifeguards mark out the safest areas to swim, which is between the red and yellow flags. If you are unsure about the conditions speak to the lifeguards on duty who can give you advice."

The RNLI’s Respect the Water campaign is running throughout the summer. To find out more about the dangers of the coast and how to stay safe, visit www.rnli.org/respectthewater or search #RespectTheWater on social media. 

Jersey has since taken to Facebook to remind those taking a dip that “Looks Can Be Deceiving” saying “If The Water Is Touching The Wall It's Time To Get Out ‪#‎PlayItSafe.”

A team of RNLI lifeguards are patrolling the Bay from 10:00 until 18:00 every day until the end of September.