Water sports and activities safety information
Before you do any water sport activity, you should:
- Check weather and tide conditions. Know your limits!
- Make sure you have the right equipment and clothing for your activity, including buoyancy aids, appropriate clothing and means of attracting attention, such as flares.
- Use the Trace App to let the Coastguard know if you’re out at sea and when you return. You can also log a traffic report with Jersey Coastguard on VHF channel 82 or by telephone +44 (0) 1534 447705 if you are making a passage or intend to be out for a long time.
- Always tell someone ashore of your intentions and never go alone, always go with a companion or in a group.
- Get tuition about the sport or speak to a qualified provider before heading out on your own.
- Register your vessel or equipment with C-SIS
- Check your equipment is in good condition. This includes checking any power units for vessels.
- Park your vehicle and trailer with care. Do not obstruct access for other users or the emergency services.
Weather and tides
Check the weather forecast and tides before any water sport or beach activity.
Make sure you:
- only go out in conditions that are suitable to your level of experience and skills
- keep a reference point on the shore to check how your position is being affected by wind or tide drift.
Rip currents
Rip currents can occur on any beach where breaking waves are present. They are formed when waves push water up the beach.
Make sure you:
- look for discoloured/choppy water, a debris line and fewer breaking waves
- swim between red and yellow flags on a lifeguarded beach.
Rip current information on RLNI
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 pass in less than a minute so don’t try to swim straight away
- Relax and try to float
- Keep calm then call for help or swim for safety if you’re able.
More information about cold water shock on RLNI.
Equipment
If you’re going for longer periods:
- take a drink with you, ideally fresh water, on all trips and possibly some food for longer trips
- take a VHF or mobile phone in a waterproof case or bag
- means of attracting attention, such as flares.
Registration and insurance
The Coastguard Safety Identification Scheme (CSIS) is a free initiative that allows you to register crafts up to three metres with us that are not included in our local vessel registry.
Registering items with our Coastguard Safety Identification Scheme will allow us to confirm that there is no risk to safety of life at sea and has the added advantage of reuniting owners with their equipment or vessel.
Coastguard Safety Identification Scheme Online Form
You must register your jet-ski at the Marine Leisure Centre before you can use it. You must also insure your jet-ski before use.
Kitesurfing
To practice kitesurfing in Jersey, you must have British Kitesurfing Association recognised insurance and be registered with Ports of Jersey.
British Kitesports Association Jersey | British Kite Sports Association
eFoils
Before you go out on the water with it, you must register it with Jersey Marinas, showing proof of insurance.
Speed limits
A 5 knot speed limit applies in the following areas:
- within 200 yards of any shore line, harbour and pier
- any waters of St Aubin’s Bay that lie generally to the west of a line that is drawn from the south end of La Haule Slip straight to Platte Rock beacon (being the beacon at Platte Rock, which lies north-east of Grosse Rock) and from there straight to Point de Bût
- any waters of Bouley Bay that lie to the southern side of the shortest line drawn between Vicard Point and La Tour de Rozel
- any waters of St Brelade’s Bay that lie to the northern side of the shortest line drawn between Grosse Tête and La Cotte Point
