Vanessa Marsh said she and her group of swimmers were swimming from Moulin Huet to the Peastacks on Saturday when they came across a large number of boats, and she hopes everyone will take care to ensure there isn’t an accident.
It’s thought some of the regular sea swimmers, have been joined by others who may usually only swim during the summer, because the lockdown has given some people an increased amount of leisure time with initially two hours of exercise allowed a day before being increased to four.
Pictured: While many people swim within the bathing pools, others take to the open sea. (File image – taken before social distancing was introduced)
Swimming is known to be great for physical exercise, while sea swimming in particular has been linked with many benefits to mental health and well being.
“I think so many swimmers are out for all of those reasons”, said Mrs Marsh, “more time during lockdown for our crowd, and they are venturing out for longer due to the lovely weather and the water being a little warmer.
“I think the general public are getting in the water earlier in the year than they would normally, even my daughter has been in for a 20 min dip!”
Those increasing numbers of swimmers have more recently been met by increasing numbers of boats too, as mariners are allowed back on the open water but they can’t sail too far.
No boat is allowed to dock at the harbour of any other island in the Bailiwick except the harbour it departed from. Although boats can drop anchor at any one of our bays, no one is allowed to go ashore except in the island they are resident in.
The good weather means many people are taking their boats out to explore the Bailiwick’s bays though, and Mrs Marsh said that was evident last weekend.
Pictured: Commercial fishing boats have been allowed out throughout lockdown, and now pleasure boats are allowed out as well.
“We swam Moulin Huet to the Peastacks on Saturday and there were a lot of boats in the bay, obviously as they can’t go to Herm.
“We haven’t had any incidents, thank goodness but just wanted to remind boat owners that swimmers are out there! Similarly as cars look out for cyclists!”
Mrs Marsh said swimmers need to also be aware of their surroundings, and shouldn’t venture out further than they feel safe to do so.
“We do take extra care of course when confronted with boats in our way, but really just a gentle reminder to everyone. The sea is for everyone to enjoy!”
Pictured top: Vanessa Marsh and friends often swim out from Havelet Bay. All images provided by Vanessa Marsh.
