RNLI Jersey has 'exceptionally busy' Saturday

Lifeboat crews were launched "multiple times" on Saturday across the whole of Jersey, making it an "exceptionally busy" weekend for volunteers, managers say.

The RNLI said crews helped in a major search after a washed-up paddleboard at Archirondel in St Martin raised concerns two children could still be in the water.

The service said a large search area was covered before police confirmed there were no reports of missing children.

In St Brelade, the service helped a boat with an engine failure off Noirmont with five people onboard, a boat with an electrical failure three miles (4.8km) west of Corbiere, and also supported kite surfers struggling near Bouley Bay in Trinity.

RNLI Jersey said Saturday was "a reminder that our volunteer crews are ready to respond at any hour, whatever the weather and whatever the call".

Josh Dearing, a full-time volunteer on the all-weather lifeboat, said islanders needed to "keep your wits about you" when heading out to the beach and the sea.

He said: "Be aware of the tides, be aware of the wind.

"If you're a boater, just check over your boat, make sure you've got your safety equipment; simple things like make sure you've got enough fuel and that your engine's running correctly.

"We're always ready, the lifeguards are always keen, they're always keeping a good eye out, same as we are here on the boats.

"We're more equipped than ever now with all our latest technology, and the boats are running great. We're ready to go if you ever need us."

RNLI Jersey said people should check the weather and tides before going to sea and, in an emergency, they should call 999 and ask for the coastguard.

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