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Guernsey Coastguard and the RNLI are urging pleasure boat users, kayakers and canoeists to "think very carefully" before heading out to sea during the lockdown period, as exposure to a positive Covid case or contact has the potential to sideline a whole rescue crew.
People are allowed to use a pleasure craft, canoe or kayak as part of their two-hour recreation time under lockdown rules which came into force on 23 January.
However, as the RNLI relies on a small number of dedicated volunteers, it is feared that exposure to a positive case or contact could leave the emergency service unmanned.
“Our main message is: Just because you can, does not mean you should," said Captain David Barker, Head of Guernsey Coastguard.
Pictured: Captain David Barker.
"We understand why islanders may want to spend their outdoor activity time on the sea, but please remember that if a volunteer lifeboat crew member becomes infected on a rescue, either from a casualty or another crew member, it can mean that the whole crew must isolate."
Lifeboat Operations Manager for the St Peter Port RNLI, Chris Harvey, asked people to think twice before heading out to sea.
“If one whole crew has to self-isolate as a result of a rescue, which could have been prevented, this could compromise our ability to attend subsequent incidents and put lives at risk," he warned.
Pictured top: The Spirit of Guernsey lifeboat (Credit: Dylan Ray).
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