Mariners urged to wear lifejackets

From Jersey Coastguard
30th January 2025

Jersey Coastguard is urging boat-users to wear lifejackets whenever they are on the water, even in the harbour.

Last month a person fell into the water at South Pier while they were moving between a boat and a dinghy. They were recovered from the water quickly and didn’t come to any harm, but coastguards are concerned that they were not wearing a lifejacket.

Coastguard Manager, Phil le Neveu, is now reminding mariners to stay safe. He said: “It’s important to always wear your lifejacket, even when transferring to and from boats and dinghies. This is often the biggest risk as people can easily miss their footing.

“We have seen several people falling into the harbour during similar transfers and it is especially important to stay safe with the water temperatures we have at this time of year. People can quickly suffer the effects of cold-water shock when they are not used to being immersed in the sea during the winter.”

Life jackets

A properly maintained inflatable life jacket will keep your head out of the water and will right you onto your back if you are face down in the water, increasing your chances of survivability if you end up in the water.

It is essential that life jackets are maintained properly to ensure they will work when you need them. Automatic life jacket inflation components usually need to be replaced regularly and will be stamped with a manufacture and/or expiry date. If you are unsure, get your life jacket serviced.

Life jacket guide – Lifejackets And Buoyancy Aids – Choose And Maintain Yours

Cold water shock

Anything below 15°C is defined as cold water and can seriously affect your breathing and movement. If you enter the water unexpectedly:

  • Take a minute. The initial effects of cold water can pass in less than a minute so don’t try to swim straight away.
  • Relax and Float to Live 
  • Keep calm then call for help, or swim for safety if you’re able.

Cold Water Shock – RNLI Water Safety – The Dangers Of Cold Water Shock

Jersey Coastguard