On Air Now David Francis 2:00pm - 6:00pm
Now Playing Sonny Fodera / D.o.d / Jazzy Somedays

New safety measures at Victoria Marine Lake following serious incident

New safety measures are being implemented at the Victoria Marine Lake, following a serious incident last month.

A child was pulled through an opening in the seawall of the marine lake and swept into the sea on 21 June.

They were rescued and treated for minor injuries, but the government said it was extremely fortunate that it didn't result in a tragedy.

More concrete blocks, ropes, and marker floats are being installed to deter access to dangerous areas.

Outdated signs are being removed, missing signs are being replaced, and more warning signs are being installed.

I&E adds:

"These measures form part of a wider programme of immediate risk mitigation while engineers continue to assess longer-term options for the structure.

"The public is reminded that they should not swim in or near the Victoria Marine Lake under any circumstances and should not walk around it."

Channel 103 spoke to islanders near the lake today about what they want to see happen:

"I just wish it would be fixed, and then it could be used as a pool at any time, whether the tide is in or out."

"It should be fixed, but my concern is that you've got holidaymakers not knowing that something has gone wrong. There are no signs here to say 'be careful', and that's a worry. It could happen again, and we don't want it to happen."

"Get it sorted out! We used to come down here many years ago with the children, it was a vibrant place.

"I think they should spend money on it because it's for the holidaymakers and for the locals."

"I think it's an asset and I would love to swim in it if it were safe."

"I grew up here. This was my childhood beach, and the town-dwellers are a significant portion of the population. Of course they should restore it!"

£315,000 was spent on bringing the marine lake back into full operation in 2014, but it wasn't used regularly, mainly due to an influx of sea lettuce.

A petition launched last year to restore and maintain it was signed more than 1,500 times, but the government said careful consideration was needed as to whether its restoration 'would be an effective and efficient use of public funds.'

More from Jersey News

Island FM VIP

Get more with the Island FM VIP!