Additional warning signs, concrete blocks, ropes and marker floats are among the “immediate” new safety measures implemented at the Victoria Marine Lake following a recent incident in which a child was swept through an opening in the seawall.
Engineers are continuing to assess longer-term solutions for the ageing structure, in which Islanders have been reminded not to swim in, enter, or walk around.
The changes come in the wake of a “serious incident” in which a child was pulled through a gap in the seawall and swept into the sea.
These measures form part of a wider programme of immediate risk mitigation while engineers continue to assess longer-term options for the structure
Infrastructure Department
St Helier Constable Inna Gardiner, who has previously sought funding to repair the deteriorating site, has subsequently renewed calls to “stop assessing and start fixing”.
She said: “I will continue pressing for a proper, lasting solution so that the Marine Lake can once again be safe and open for everyone.”
In an update issued yesterday, the Infrastructure Department stated that – as part of the “immediate response” to the recent incident – new safety measures, including additional concrete blocks, ropes and marker floats, were being installed at the site.
“This will help to deter access to dangerous areas and reinforce public safety messages,” the update continued.
“Warning signage at the Marine Lake is also being updated. Outdated signage is being removed, missing signs are being replaced, and additional warning signs are being installed.
“These measures form part of a wider programme of immediate risk mitigation while engineers continue to assess longer-term options for the structure.”
The department reiterated its reminder to the public “that they should not swim in or near the Victoria Marine Lake under any circumstances and should not walk around it”.
