Sea rescue shows 'range of challenges' firefighters face

Firefighters Jonny Burch (left), Nick Willis (centre) and Chris Sweeny (right) have been nominated for the BBC Radio Jersey Make a Difference Awards

Jersey firefighters say a rescue in St Ouen’s Bay when crews pulled a man out of the sea shows the range of challenges the emergency service faces in the island.

Jonny Burch, Chris Sweeny and Nick Willis were part of the team who helped save a swimmer who was trapped by the current in August.

The conditions were too rough to send a lifeboat so the firefighters worked together to swim out to the casualty and pull him from the waves which were crashing against the sea wall.

The firefighters said it showed the “various jobs” they do in the service and the "more extraordinary things" that emergency staff such as themselves face in Jersey.

Conditions were too rough for a lifeboat to be launched

Firefighter Burch used himself as a human shield during the rescue to protect the swimmer

Firefighter Burch was the first into the water to help the man who was about 25m (82ft) from the shore.

He said: “It just shows how well we work as a team."

He added that crews were trained to “have each other's back through these instances”.

Firefighter Burch was also injured during the rescue as he used his own body to shield the casualty from being hit against the sea wall.

He added: “We all acted as anyone in the service would have but conditions were tough and it was a bit hairy on the night.”

Station Commander Ryan Hall helped oversee the rescue operation

Station Commander Ryan Hall was the duty officer that night and helped oversee the actions of the firefighters.

He said: “The firefighters knew they would put themselves into that danger because it’s about saving lives and the actions the crew took are commendable."

Firefighter Willis said "it would be great" if the crew won BBC Radio Jersey's Make a Difference Awards

The firefighters have been shortlisted for the BBC Radio Jersey Make a Difference Awards for their actions on that night.

Firefighter Willis said the nomination was a “nice little thrill for us” and “it's good to get this stuff out there” to show what challenges crews in Jersey face.

He added: “It was quite an uncomfortable five minutes watching Jonny getting knocked about and I’ve never been on a call out that extreme.

"It was the perfect storm."

The winner of the BBC Radio Jersey Make a Difference Awards will be announced on Friday.