Jersey lifeguards warn swimmers to stay out of the sea for eclipse viewing
People heading to Jersey’s west coast for Wednesday evening’s partial solar eclipse are being warned to stay out of the sea once lifeguard patrols end
People heading to Jersey’s west coast for Wednesday evening’s partial solar eclipse are being warned to stay out of the sea once lifeguard patrols end at 6 p.m. The RNLI says conditions are expected to turn more hazardous just as crowds gather to watch the sky darken.
RNLI Jersey said the island should see an increase in swell and large pushing tides, with temperatures also forecast to reach 35C. The partial eclipse is due to begin at 6:21 p.m. BST, peak at 7:17 p.m. and finish at 8:10 p.m.
St Ouen’s Bay in focus
The charity said it expects many islanders to head to the west coast, with St Ouen’s Bay likely to be a popular viewing spot. But it comes with a warning. The bay can have strong rip currents “right across the bay,” the RNLI said, urging people to take care and keep out of the water after lifeguards finish for the day.
“St Ouen’s Bay will be a great place to view it but it can have strong rip currents right across the bay so please take care,” the RNLI said.
The service also reminded people not to look directly at the eclipse unless they have proper protective glasses. The advice echoes wider public safety warnings issued ahead of the celestial event across parts of the UK and Europe, where a new moon means tides are already near their peak.
What to do in an emergency
If someone gets into trouble in the sea, the RNLI says to use the float-to-live technique. Anyone who sees a person in distress should call 999 and ask for Jersey Coastguard. That warning comes as the island braces for a busy evening on the shoreline, with warm weather and a rare sky show pulling more people outdoors.
The eclipse will pass quickly. The sea won’t. And once the patrols stop, the RNLI says the safest place to watch is from dry land.
