“We should not be complacent” message as water safety campaign launched

Friday 02 February 2024

A new campaign aims to improve safety and provide the community with the skills to have fun in and on the water.

There has been a recent growth in the number of people using the sea for the likes of swimming, kayaking and surfing.

"It's fantastic that so many people are enjoying our world class natural environment, but we really want to make sure they are aware of the potential dangers and know what to do to keep safe," said Alan Jenner, the Guernsey Sports Commission's Outdoor & Adventure Sports Development Officer.

The Commission is providing opportunities to provide water safety training through its Holdfast Water Skills Academy, including a States-approved and 1st4 Sport accredited water safety qualification.

"We can offer everything from general community water safety awareness training to bespoke courses for businesses, hotels with swimming pools or staff from restaurants and bars near to the Guernsey coastline," he said.

"We have also developed a Guernsey-specific water safety qualification which is delivered at three different levels which aims to ensure all the principles and skills required are well understood and practiced.

"I think we have been fortunate that to date we have not had a major water safety incident or even a fatality, but we have been close and should not be complacent.

"By raising awareness and teaching people the life skills they need to be safe on and in the water, we hope to be able to preserve our good water safety record."

The Commission has also been working closely with others, including the Coastguard and RNLI, to develop a Water Safety Strategy for Guernsey.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the water safety training can contact Mr Jenner on 07781 118253 or email info@guernseysports.com

A copy of the Holdfast Water Skills Academy information leaflet can be downloaded at ONLINE.