Large Guernsey crowd protest diving board removal

Sunday, 9 February 2025 10:39

More than a hundred islanders gather at La Vallette Bathing Pools to protest the removal of the 'beloved and iconic' diving board.

Guernsey States announced its intention to remove the diving platform from the Ladies’ Pool on Friday (7 February).

It's after a review found the water underneath was too shallow, the diving board area needed to be roped off and a permanent lifeguard was required.

When avid sea swimmer Adrian Sarchet (aka the Guernsey Sea Donkey) heard this news he invited islanders to stand poolside with him in protest.

This idea received massive support online and saw a huge crowd gather this morning (9 February).

Mr Sarchet says the demonstration led to a meeting with the President of the States’ Environment and Infrastructure Committee, Lindsay de Sausmarez.

He says the removal, which was due to take place on Tuesday (11 February) has been delayed, and a small committee is being formed to find a solution 'which satisfies all stakeholders'.

@islandfm More than a hundred islanders attended a protest at Guernsey's Bathing Pools 🪧🌊 It's after the States announced plans to remove the diving board because the water underneath was not deep enough to meet international standards. ❌ #guernsey #channelislands #protest #seaswimming #outdoors #diving ♬ original sound - Island FM

Guernsey Police shut the road leading to the Bathing Pools for the duration of the gathering.

The large crowd could be seen from St Peter Port's South Esplanade.