As we prepare for a sunny weekend, Jersey Fire and Rescue Service is urging coastal walkers to check the tide times.
This advice follows a sharp rise in rescues this year. 21 people have already needed saving since January.
Throughout 2023, 22 people in total required the Coastguard's help to get them out of trouble.
Jersey Fire and Rescue's Station Commander Craig Channing is concerned by these statistics, but thinks he knows what's causing this sharp rise:
"We've had pretty poor weather up to maybe January, February and March, so as soon as we get a nice bit of weather, we all want to go out and explore Jersey's beautiful coastline.
"That, compounded by the large tides that we've had over the Easter period, is catching people out by surprise."
Elizabeth Castle
Commander Channing has this advice for those planning a coastal walk this weekend:
"A lot of people don't check to see what time the low or high water is. People are going across to the castle, and the causeway can get cut off really, really quickly. It's a 1km walk but it doesn't seem so far.
"So people are going out there and just not realising they're potentially putting themselves in danger by either not being prepared with their mobile phone with them or not checking the tides and getting cut off.
"We say always have a way of contacting somebody - a mobile phone for instance where you can dial 999 and ask for the coastguard.
"In this weather, even though the sun comes out and it feels quite warm. the sea temperature is still only about ten degrees, so make sure you take some warm clothes with you in case you do get cut off, but the biggest tip we can give people is always check the tide tables."
🌊⚠️ Don't let the tide catch you off guard ⚠️🌊 In the last four weeks 13 people have been caught out by the incoming tide. As the tide comes in, so do the risks. Being caught out by a rising tide can quickly turn a nice day out into a dangerous situation, requiring rescue by our dedicated lifeboat crews. Stay vigilant and heed the following advice: 1. Know the tide times: Check tide schedules before heading out using our handy tide calculator: https://www.ports.je/weather#tidedata. Don't get caught by surprise when the waters start to rise. 2. Plan your escape route: Familiarise yourself with escape routes and safe areas in case the tide changes rapidly. 3. Stay visible: If you do find yourself in trouble, stay visible, call 999 and ask for Jersey Coastguard. We will send help immediately. Remember, safety comes first! Don't let the tide turn your day sour. Stay informed, stay safe, and enjoy the coast responsibly.
Posted by Jersey Coastguard on Friday, April 12, 2024
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