Snorkel trail, swim platform and a focus on dangerous coastal hotspots planned for this summer

Thursday 08 February 2024

A snorkel trail at Rousse, a swim platform at Pembroke and a focus on some key dangerous hot spots around Guernsey’s coast are all on the agenda for this summer.

The Guernsey Sports Commission’s Outdoor and Adventure Sports Development officer Alan Jenner spoke to Bailiwick Express’ Warm Up podcast this week about his role and new sea safety initiatives he is promoting.

He also revealed more details about exciting new projects that are nearing completion.

Mr Jenner said it was 90% there for a sea platform being in place for the 1 May, probably at Pembroke.

"It will be a safe swim platform, easy to get on and off with all the bells and whistles when it comes to safety," he said.

"It's also a challenge if you want to swim to a safe zone there. I'm hoping for triathlons it can be a base on the water, or a coaching point on the water. It fits a number of areas."

Rocq Capital are sponsoring the initiative.

Jersey already has three self-guided snorkel trails, where you singpost a bay as safe and tell people where to go and what they are likely to see.

Pictured: Looking out to sea between Rousse and Port Grat on a foggy afternoon.

His investigation into introducing one in Guernsey has been happening for about a year.

Mourants are supporting it.

"My role in it is to set it up. It will be self guided, the location is between Port Grat and Rousse in an area called The Knife. There's a little lagoon that's formed on a 3.4 metre tide. It's a stunning place. I've been trying to keep it secret for years, but now it's going to be in the public domain. And it's just a wonderful, wonderful location."

Old oyster beds that used to block the path to it have been removed, so it is possible to walk there from Port Grat.

"I'm working with local environmental groups to make sure we do it properly. I need to speak to the mooring committees to make sure everyone is aware, the Vale Douzaine to make sure they are happy with it, that the States are happy with it, there're applications we have to do."

He hopes to work with schools to have a snorkel course where pupils can progress from school pools, to the Bathing Pools and up at the snorkel trail.

"When you look at outdoor and adventure that ticks both boxes."

Pictured: Bordeaux is one of the focuses for water safety.

A major piece of work is a new water safety strategy, which again should launch at the start of May.

It is currently in draft and being shared with relevant parties for input.

Mr Jenner said there were areas where safety could be improved.

Pictured: Map showing the most dangerous areas (organge) and four safety hotspots (blue).

He has identified four hotspots where it is hoped an immediate impact can be made with better signage which would be used in the summer and some other areas where only experienced people should go.

Those hotspots are K2 at Port Soif where rock jumping is focussed; the passage between Guernsey and Lihou Island; Bordeaux because of the contrast between the calm in the harbour and the tidal movements beyond the pier and Tommy's rock and also Havelet Bay.

Pictured: The contrast between clam conditions inside Bordeaux harbour and the rough seas with strong tidal currents just metres beyond.

The no go zones are that zone at Bordeaux, Pleinmont Point and Jerbourg Point.

"They are almost the corners of Guernsey, the tidal movement around there is just not for the amateur. If you're highly experienced, and if you're swimming, for example, and you have safety craft, absolutely, but if you're inexperienced do not go anywhere near those places."

Pictured top: Pembroke Bay, the preferred location for a sea water platform.