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Islanders are being reminded of the local Beach Code ahead of the start of the meteorological summer on Wednesday.
The Code encourages beachgoers to be respectful of each other and the environment when enjoying the island's beaches. It covers eight topics, including littering and safety standards for barbeques.
1. Observe any warning signs and stay away from the base of cliffs in case of rock falls.
2. Take your litter home with you or place it in a litter bin.
3. Take reusable plastic containers onto the beach rather than glass, as glass is easily broken and broken shards can cause a risk of injury to you or other beach users.
4. Show respect for all other beach users.
5. Keep music to a volume which does not disturb other people or wildlife.
6. Check the time and height of high tide to ensure you can exit the beach.
7. Enjoy viewing wildlife from a safe distance and do not approach.
Pictured: Glass left on the beach can be hazardous to other beachgoers and wildlife.
8. For barbeques and contained fires, you should:
- light in a small fire bowl or bucket;
- remember to have a container on hand to collect seawater to cool the barbeque;
- light below the high tide mark, at least four metres away from any vegetation and away from shingle - stones can explode if they get too hot;
- light after 17:00 and put out by midnight and light in a spot where smoke won't disturb other people;
- safely extinguish a barbeque, embers and surrounding sand by dousing in water until they are cold - embers are cold enough if the ash no longer hisses, there is no more smoke and the remnants are cold to the touch;
- dispose of the cold remnants properly by either taking them home or by putting carefully in a litter bin.
Pictured: The Beach Code includes safety standards relating to beach barbecues.
Agriculture, Countryside and Land Management Services - a division of the Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure - said that extra care should be taken with beach barbecues.
In previous years, multiple fires have occurred in coastal litter bins from the hot embers of disposable barbeques, posing a risk to the surrounding environment. These bins consequently require replacement at public expense.
Barbecues are not permitted on grassland or forested areas. Open flames around dry vegetation can cause fires to escape and destroy valuable resources, habitats and homes.
Barbeques are permitted only on the north and west coast beaches, excluding the Richmond end of Vazon.
If a barbeque has more than 50 people, it is classed as an event and will require a permit. Further information can be found HERE.
Pictured: The Beach Code encourages islanders to be respectful of other beach users.
People are also reminded to observe any warning signs and stay away from the base of cliffs in case of rock falls.
The cliffs around all the bays on the south coast are regularly inspected by engineers. Several cliff faces are subject to regular maintenance works, but even with these precautionary measures it is not possible to eliminate all risk of rock falls.
Care must be taken by individuals when accessing these areas, particularly in the days following heavy rainfall. People are asked to choose a spot away from the base of cliffs when on the beach.
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