The diving platform at La Valette Ladies’ Pool is set to reopen this weekend after it was suddenly banned in February due to safety concerns.
The closure was met with significant public outcry, including a protest led by Adrian Sarchet, which resulted in a “stay of execution” for the diving platform.
A team effort from States departments, businesses and members of the public – including sea swimmers Mr Sarchet, Mark Torode, and more, mean it is now safe to reopen said E&I today.
F Watson & Son Ltd mechanically removed bedrock (partly voluntarily), to increase the pool depth around the platform to 3.5 metres so it would meet health and safety guidelines.
Further safety improvements, including enhanced steps and reduced ‘slipperiness’ are planned for the summer.
Pictured; Islanders took to the Ladies Pool in order to object to the diving boards removal. (Sunday, 9 February 2025). 
Pictured; The diving board has been a point of conflict since the start of 2025. 
Pictured; Protestors campaigning for the survival of the diving board. 
Pictured; The work to bring the platform and pool up to standard was estimated to cost around £60,000, with much of the true cost covered by businesses offering free services.
Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez, President of the Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure, said she is personally pleased the diving platform has been saved.
“This has been a fantastic example of Guernsey’s incredible community spirit, with businesses, government and members of the public pulling together so that the platform can be reopened.
“As a keen swimmer myself, it’s brilliant that we can now continue to enjoy this feature of our wonderful bathing pools. I’d like to specifically thank those who came together to find workable solutions, including those in the working party and colleagues across the States, including the Health & Safety Executive who worked closely with us so that we could achieve a positive outcome to everyone’s satisfaction.”
Mr Sarchet – known as the Sea Donkey for his love of swimming and his achievements in open water challenges – said he’s also really pleased.
“We should all feel blessed to live in a place where magic like this can happen.
“The community spoke, government listened, and local business facilitated a solution (largely for free). And now happy children (both large and small) will be leaping off the diving platform once again…into a safer environment, thanks to the work everyone has put in.
“The cast of faces that has made this happen is too large to thank individually here, but each and every one of you has my thanks.”