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Beach Safety

Jersey has such wonderful beaches, it is a great day out no matter what time of year.

Wrapping up warm and wondering through rock pools or building sand castles on a warm sunny day.

Child Information
Adult Information
Plan ahead when going to the beach and don't forget to check the tides.

Off to the beach or going rock pooling?  Look at our checklists first…

Beach check list
  • Chose a beach where there are lifeguards and always swim between the red and yellow flags.
  • Check the weather. It can change quickly! if the forecast is for fog or storms then chose a different activity.
  • Always check a tide table. At high tide some of our beaches will be complete covered and you may become cut off!
  • Set up a base on the beach and look out for land marks so  it’s easy to find your way back if you go for a wonder.
  • Take plenty of sun protection – sun glasses, a hat and T-shirt. Don’t forget your sunblock, which should be at least a Factor 30.
  • Make sure you have plenty to drink.
  • It’s a good idea to see where the shade is, remember the sun is at it’s hottest between 11am and 3pm.
  • Tell your parent where you are going and what time you will be back if you go off with friends.
  • If you get into difficulty in the water remember to stay calm, float and raise your arm in the air so that the lifeguards know you need help. They will come and get you very quickly.
  • If there is an emergency and you need help phone the Coastguard call 999
Rock pooling safety check list
  • Always check the tide timetable for the day you are going – in the JEP, on the internet or in a tide books
  • Always check the weather forecast. It can change quickly and you can very cold in the wind and rain or lost in the fog!
  • Take a watch so you know when to head back when the tide turns.
  • Follow the tide out when rock pooling – you get the best fish and it’s much safer
  • Go with an adult
  • Tell someone else where you are going and when you will be back so that if you don’t come back on time they will know where to send the Coastguard.
  • Be sun safe – hat, sun glasses, T-shirt, plenty to drink and a sun block which is at least a Factor 30.
  • Wear shoes with a good grip and that fit well.
  • If the rocks are slippery copy the crabs. Get down low and use your arms and legs to move across the rocks.
  • Keep away from cliffs as lose rocks may fall on you. Never try to climb the cliffs.
  • If you get in to trouble DO NOT try and swim back. Shout fir help and use your phone if you have one to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
Teach children how to be beach safe before something goes wrong

To be safe on the beach, children must be supervised by an adult….at arms length.

It’s a good idea to find somewhere with shade. Remember the sun is at its hottest between 11am and 3 pm.

If you have an emergency, call 999.

Getting lost

  • Set up a base camp when you arrive.
  • Before the children go and play ask them to just stop a second and look at where you are, checked against other landmarks.
  • Know what you children are wearing, it will help others to help look for them.
  • Even on a beach with lifeguards, they can’t watch everyone.

Weaver fish

Weeverfish are very common in the waters around Jersey, especially in August. When the fish is smaller than 10cm it likes to bury itself into the sand with just the dorsal fin sticking out.  They can do this just on the edge of the sea so when paddling it is easy to stand on them and get a nasty sting.

The sting is really sore and painful but the treatment is simple.  Place the affected area in hot water, the hotter the better. Test the water first so not to scald. The heat will destroy the toxic venom and the pain will stop.

If severe or life-threatening symptoms are present, seek medical help immediately and you can always ask an lifeguard to help.

First Aid help

Don’t forget Lifeguards are all trained first aider’s and have first aid kits and equipment

Common problems on the beach;
  • Cuts from sharp objects just under the sand, often from sharp broken bottles or cans
  • Sand blown or rubbed into the eyes
  • Sunburn
  • Burns from disposable BBQ’s, when removed to cool the sand or stone underneath is still hot enough to cause a nasty burn
  • Weever or jelly fish stings

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