A weekend emergency call-out that turned out to be a false alarm has prompted Jersey’s lifeboat crews to reinforce an important message.
The Jersey Lifeboat Association and RNLI Jersey have both reminded islanders that it is better to raise the alarm if you think someone may be in trouble in the water, even if you are not certain.
The JLA stated that, around 9.50pm on Saturday evening, Jersey Coastguard requested the immediate launch of the charity’s inshore lifeboat Albert Pinel “following reports of possible persons in the water in the vicinity of St Brelade’s Pier”.
If you think you see someone in difficulty at sea, don’t hesitate, call 999 immediately and ask for Jersey Coastguard
Jersey Lifeboat Association
“Launching just 13 minutes later, our volunteer crew responded alongside colleagues from Jersey Fire and Rescue, States of Jersey Police and States of Jersey Ambulance Service,” the post continued.
“The inshore lifeboat made best speed towards the scene before being stood down whilst en route after it was confirmed that no-one was in danger.
“The incident was subsequently classified as a call with good intent. The inshore lifeboat returned to station, where she was washed down and made ready for service once again.”
The charity pointed out that “in this instance, the informant did exactly the right thing”.
“If you think you see someone in difficulty at sea, don’t hesitate, call 999 immediately and ask for Jersey Coastguard. We’d always rather respond and find everyone safe than risk someone not getting the help they need.”
Our crews will never resent being being called out and stood down
RNLI Jersey press officer Helier de Veulle
Echoing the message, RNLI Jersey press officer Helier de Veulle highlighted that the island’s lifeboat crews “train for a reason”.
“That reason is to save lives at sea,” he said.
“If you think about this the other way, if someone hasn’t picked up the phone and there were an incident and something had happened, that’s a poor outcome for everyone.”
Mr de Veulle continued: “The message is always, if you’re in doubt, pick up the phone to the Coastguard, have the conversation around what’s going on.
“It’s the Coastguard’s decision what to deploy, who to deploy – but our crews will never resent being called out and stood down.
“That’s a preferable position for everyone than the opposite”.
He also noted that: “Having the opportunity to get kitted up and get out on the water quickly is always a good learning experience for them, because they’ll identify things that work differently in a real life situation than it does under an exercise situation.”
