Beach Patrols 2023

We'd like to remind people to visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags. RNLI lifeguards in Jersey aided 262 people in 2021, so just following this simple piece of advice can be lifesaving.

Float To Live

• Lean back, using your arms and legs to stay afloat
• Control your breathing Call for help or swim to safety
• In a coastal emergency, call 999 or 112 for the Coastguard.

Planning a visit to the coast?

Please remember and follow safety advice:

• Have a plan – check the weather forecast, tide times and read local hazard signage
• Keep a close eye on your family – on the beach and in the water
• Don’t allow your family to swim alone
• Don’t use inflatables
• If you fall into the water unexpectedly, FLOAT TO LIVE. Fight your instinct to thrash around, lean back, extend your arms and legs, and Float
• In an emergency dial 999, and ask for the Coastguard

Beach patrols

The RNLI lifeguards started their first season on Jersey's beaches on 28 May 2011. They patrol the western beaches on Jersey.

The majority of the lifeguards live in Jersey and have now worked on Jersey's beaches with the RNLI for several seasons.

Education & Prevention

As part of the preventative and educational aspects of their role, the lifeguards visit local schools to deliver vital beach safety education. They are also involved in the RNLI's Swim Safe programme which teaches children aged 7-14 how to stay safe in and around coastal and open waters. Details on the Swim Safe programme can be found here. 

For beach safety information please click here and for information about rip currents, click here.