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RNLI crews helped save five lives in 2024

Jack Silver
BBC News, Channel Islands
Dave Ferguson An RNLI Lifegoards jet ski on churned up blue water. Riding it is a man in a wetsuit with a helmet on and a red vest.Dave Ferguson
Volunteer RNLI lifeguards patrol six beaches around Jersey during the summer

RNLI lifeguards and lifeboats in the Channel Islands helped nearly 600 people last year, saving five lives, according to the charity.

It said lifeboats across Guernsey, Jersey and Alderney launched 103 times in 2024, helping 155 people and saving three lives.

Lifeguards on Jersey beaches responded to 332 incidents, helping 434 people and saving two lives, the charity said.

Aaron White, lifeguard supervisor in Jersey, said good weather over the Easter period would be "welcome" but water users should remember the sea was "usually at its coldest at this time of the year, which increases the risk of cold water shock".

The RNLI released its 2024 figures ahead of what is expected to be a "busy Easter break".

Mr White said Le Braye and St Ouen in Jersey had a lifeguard service operating from 10:00 BST to 18:00 BST over Easter.

RNLI lifeguards patrol six beaches in Jersey during the summer season.

The charity's lifeboats operate year-round out of St Peter Port in Guernsey, Braye Bay in Alderney, and St Catherine and St Helier in Jersey.

In 2023 the islands' lifeboat crews launched 117 times and helped 193 people, saving one life.

Meanwhile RNLI lifeguards in Jersey dealt with 272 incidents in 2023 and helped 369 people. There were no life-threatening incidents.

'Float to live'

The RNLI said people using the sea should follow this safety advice:

  • Check your vessel or equipment
  • Wear a lifejacket and have a means of calling for help
  • Visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the flags
  • Check the weather forecast, tide times and read local hazard signage to understand local risks
  • Keep a close eye on your family, on the beach and in the water, and do not allow your family to swim alone
  • "Float to live" if you fall into the water unexpectedly by fighting your instinct to thrash around, lean back, extend your arms and legs and float
  • In an emergency dial 999 and ask for the coastguard

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