WATCH: The dramatic night-time rescue of a swimmer from 'treacherous' breaking waves in St Ouen's Bay.
Emergency services successfully rescued a man from rough sea conditions on Sunday night (20 Ausust)
The man, who wasn't wearing a wet suit or any flotation aids, is believed to have gone into the sea at La Don Hilton and was drifting north towards the Sands Restaurant.
Jersey Fire and Rescue and the Coastguard were called to the bay at around 9.15pm, but high tide and a 'significant swell' meant the conditions were too difficult to send out the inshore rescue boats.
Emergency services made the decision to send out rescue swimmers to retrieve the casualty.
JFRS Station Commander, Ryan Hall says the rescuers had to enter the water 100 metres away from the struggling swimmer.
"The rescue swimmer then had to transverse along the shoreline wall whilst being hit by the waves making access treacherous.
Once contact was made with the casualty, a second rescuer was deployed to assist efforts. Worsening sea conditions made the rescue more challenging, as they were continuously being picked up by waves and thrown up against the sea wall.
Despite very dangerous circumstances, once on the scene our rescuers demonstrated their bravery, dedication and unwavering commitment to protecting and serving our community, and I commend them"
Mr Hall also thanked members of the public who helped manage rescue ropes.
The swimmer received medical attention at the scene and was taken to hospital by ambulance.
Coastgurad Watch Officer, Ford Ramsden says it was a difficult rescue.
"It was in the dark, at high tide, with rough sea conditions and waves breaking against the sea wall. We would advise islanders never to go swimming late in the evening, as this endangers not only the swimmers themselves, but also the emergency services who are called out to rescue them.
The outcome last night was positive, but it could easily have gone the other way.”
Video credit: Evan Smith, edited by JFRS
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