Water safety

As temperatures rise in Jersey’s summertime, you or your family may be tempted to cool off with a swim. Make sure you know the dangers of swimming in open water:

• always check the tide times
• jumping into open water can be fatal. Cold water shock kills, you don’t know what’s lurking beneath the surface and under-water currents can be deadly
• if you get into difficulty in the water, float to live
• if you see someone in difficulty in the water, remember ‘call, tell, throw’:
  • call 999
  • tell the struggling person to try to float on their back
  • throw them something that floats
• look out for hazards around water and stick to proper pathways
• let someone know where you are going and when you are coming back, if possible
• take any warning or safety signs seriously
• never enter the water to rescue your dog - who will rescue you?
• if you encourage your friends to go in the water it could be the last time you see them

Equally, in freezing temperatures, going onto frozen ponds, reservoirs, lakes and canals is dangerous and can have fatal results.

It might be tempting to walk or play on the frozen water, but the ice is not always as thick as it may appear and can easily break. The temperature of the water is cold enough to take your breath away and lead to drowning.

If a dog or other animal ventures onto the ice, or falls through it, do not go onto the ice to rescue it – you are likely to end up in the freezing water and unable to help the animal. Never throw sticks or balls onto the ice for your dog – keep them on a lead near frozen water.

Check the tide times

A spring tide can rise by one metre in just 20 minutes. We work with Jersey Coastguard to remind islanders of the importance of checking the tides before you head to coastal areas. You can find the tide times here. 

Visitors to the off-shore towers surrounding Jersey's coastline are advised to be especially cautious. The tide comes up quickly and you could get cut off. We are often the ones coming to save you.

On the way to and from Seymour Tower, there is a metal-framed refuge tower half a mile from shore. It is approximately half way between the tower and the shore.

Top safety tips when walking to the towers:

• check the tide times and weather forecast before you set off
• only go out to the tower on an outgoing tide
• don’t explore on your own, tell someone your plans and when you expect to return
• keep an eye on the progress of the tide; it can move faster than you think
• have a mobile phone or VHF radio, map and compass in case visibility reduces and appropriate clothing

If you are venturing out to Elizabeth Castle, please check the information found on Ports of Jersey website. This advises on the time the causeway closes for pedestrians, to ensure you don’t get cut off by the incoming tide. The walk across may seem short, but it is over 1km long so plan for at least 15 minutes to get across.

If you find yourself in trouble in the water, remember to ‘Float to Live’:

• tilt your head back with your ears submerged
• relax and breathe normally
• move your hands to help stay afloat
• spread your arms and legs out
• once your breathing is controlled, call for help or swim to safety