St. Catherine’s Harbour is one of Jersey’s most loved coastal spaces, enjoyed throughout the year by swimmers, boaters, anglers, paddleboarders, harbour users and visitors.
Following an independent safety review, alongside observations and feedback from harbour users, opportunities were identified to improve the safety and how the harbour functions as a shared space while maintaining its welcoming and inclusive character.
About the trial
Ports of Jersey will be introducing a number of measures designed to improve safety and make it easier for everyone to understand how the harbour is shared.
The measures aim to:
- Improve safety for all harbour users
- Reduce the likelihood of conflicts between different activities
- Provide clearer guidance on how key areas of the harbour are used
- Support the continued enjoyment of the harbour by a wide range of users
The intention is not to restrict activities, create exclusive areas or favour one group over another. Rather, the measures are intended to support the safe and enjoyable use of St. Catherine’s Harbour for everyone.
Why are changes being introduced?
As activity within the harbour has increased, there have been a growing number of near misses and situations where users are operating in close proximity to one another.
The independent safety review highlighted opportunities to improve safety, particularly in areas where different activities overlap. Feedback from harbour users also identified the need for clearer guidance to help everyone navigate the harbour safely and confidently.
The proposed measures have been developed with these findings in mind.
A trial approach
The new arrangements will initially be introduced as a trial scheme.
We recognise that St. Catherine’s Harbour is used in many different ways, and it is important that any changes work in practice as well as on paper. Throughout the trial period, we will monitor how the arrangements operate, review feedback from users and consider any reported incidents or concerns.
Where improvements can be made, we will endeavour to make them.
Harbour signage
New signage installed at St Catherine’s harbour will help explain the trial arrangements to all users of the bay and support safe shared use of the harbour.
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