Campaign encourages safe use of beach barbecues

The rules include picking a spot that will not disturb people, below the high tide mark and at least 4m (13.1ft) from any vegetation

A campaign is encouraging islanders to follow "seven simple rules" for planning a beach barbecue this summer.

The rules shared by the States include guidance over when and where to light a barbecue.

They apply to small fires as well as barbecues, the States said.

Andy McCutcheon, principal environment services officer, said: "It only takes a minute to check that what you’re planning is safe.

"Even if you're not the one organising the barbecue, when you turn up at the beach you can still check that these things are in place to protect yourself and other beach users.

"This isn’t a new message, but it remains an important one each year."

The States reminded people any event with more than 50 people would need an event licence.

A spokesman said: "When there has been particularly hot and dry weather, fires can also be started by a discarded cigarette butt or glass bottle, and so islanders are reminded to dispose of litter in the appropriate place."

What are the seven safety rules for barbecues?

• Light after 17:00 and put it out before 00:00

• Light in a spot where smoke will not disturb other people

• Light in a small fire bowl or bucket

• Light below the high tide mark, at least 4m (13.1ft) away from any vegetation and away from shingle as stones can explode if they get too hot

• Remember to have a container on hand to collect seawater to cool the barbecue

• Safely extinguish a barbecue, 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