THE only contact most Islanders will ever have with Jersey’s lifeguards is being viewed through binoculars as they enjoy their day on the beach, quietly unaware that they are being watched by many pairs of protective eyes.

The brave men and women who provide a comforting safety net for swimmers
operate from a distance, happiest when the sea is calm and they can observe beach-goers from afar, but always ready to act when someone gets into trouble in the water.

The majority of Jersey’s lifeguards are from Australia – another land known for its beach culture, albeit on a different scale, and many return annually for a summer stint in their adopted home. Their task is a challenging and changing one. It used to include swimmers, a few surfers and the occasional inflatable dinghy, but technology and culture changes, including the increased number of jet-skiers and kite-surfers, makes their role ever more important and requires keen concentration, total commitment and a good understanding of Jersey’s beaches, wave patterns and weather conditions.

Jersey’s shoreline does not hold the same dangers as foreign shores, with ferocious waves and deadly jellyfish, but it can still create a hostile environment, especially for visiting bather who mistakes gentle waves for a gentle sea.

Last month’s dramatic rescue at the Watersplash showed just how panic can ensue when a rip occurs while the lifeguards are off duty. The two children who were swept out to sea that evening were saved by a visitor and several nearby surfers – a group who have often contributed to beach safety as honorary lifeguards over the years.

The powerful rip currents in Jersey’s bays can unnerve even strong swimmers, and unwary visitors should always respect the unpredictable force of the sea, observe the lifeguards’ warning flags and follow their advice.

Our lifeguards are the unsung heroes of the waves, along with the coastguard and the RNLI, who strive to ensure that we are safe in Island waters. This peak week of the holiday season is an opportune time to acknowledge with gratitude the important contribution they make to Jersey. They are there for our safety and well-being but are often appreciated only when their skills are experienced at first hand, but just by their presence they ensure that swimmers in Jersey – unlike its seas – will generally be able to stay calm during the summer months.