New to ormering? Then don’t risk it
ORMERERS and anglers have been warned of the risks they run if they pursue either this weekend, with fears that good weather and the bank holiday will tempt people out of their homes.
The lockdown restrictions allow for two hours of exercise a day, which could include open water activities.
‘It is important that islanders understand that sea-based activities may be dangerous at the best of times,’ a States spokesman said.
‘We know that people are desperate to take part in sea-based activities but we are urging islanders not to do so if they are not experienced, and those who are experienced should take extreme care and consider any and all safety precautions.
‘Anyone who has an accident or gets into difficulty may need to use the emergency services which will divert important resources away from managing the Covid-19 situation.
There are ormering tides today and tomorrow.
‘Islanders should recognise that ormering may be a dangerous activity,’ the spokesman said.
‘Advice from Sea Fisheries is that it is a risky exercise and this is not the time to try ormering for the first time.
‘Sea Fisheries officers have an obligation to police ormering as there are strict requirements regarding the size of ormers that can be collected and how they are found.
‘While they will be policing ormering as normal, this will be more complicated than usual due to social distancing requirements.
‘If we add into the mix people who don’t understand how to ormer and those who are trying it for the first time we are putting our frontline officers at unnecessary risk.
‘Similarly with recreational fishing from land, this is permitted as an open sea activity, but any person taking part should be experienced and take safety precautions and avoid fishing with people outside of your household, and always observe social distancing.
‘This does not extend to recreational fishing from a boat, which is not advised.’
Director of public health Dr Nicola Brink said: ‘While I appreciate that it is frustrating that people cannot take part in activities that they normally enjoy, I would urge islanders to listen to the advice and stay at home, only make essential journeys and not to put themselves or others in danger.’
The States advises that for safety anyone taking part in open water activities should do so with one other person from their household, or if that is not possible, another person provided that social distancing is followed.
Today temperatures are expected to reach 19C while it could go up to 18C tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday.
Guernsey Met is expecting cloud and showers over the weekend, before the return of sunny periods on Monday.
