Water safety campaign launched in Guernsey

The commission hopes the campaign will help preserve Guernsey's good water safety record

A campaign is being launched by the Guernsey Sports Commission aimed at improving safety for water users across the island.

It said the action had been prompted by the growing number of people using the water for leisure-based activities.

The campaign will offer a range of opportunities to provide water safety training through its Holdfast Water Skills Academy.

Courses include a States of Guernsey approved water safety qualification.

Alan Jenner, the commission's outdoor and adventure sports development officer, said: "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.

"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."

In summer 2023, five children had be rescued from a rock off the west coast of Guernsey after becoming trapped by rising tides.

All were recovered unharmed by the St Peter Port Inshore Lifeboat.