Police officers save teen swimmers on west coast

And while still wet they waded in to rescue another group of teenagers stranded off Grandes Rocques.

The officers’ actions and courage on Tuesday evening have been praised by their senior officer, who urged people to be more careful.

‘We don’t want to spoil anyone’s fun, but please check the sea conditions before you enter the water and use some common sense,’ said Sergeant Samantha Ormrod.

High tides and unexpectedly rough conditions on the west coast have led to the coastguard issuing a warning to be alert to potential dangers in local waters after the incidents on Tuesday.

In the first incident at 7pm, three teenagers found themselves sandwiched between the Vazon sea wall and a high tide of more than 9.5 metres, swelled by unexpectedly high waves that were crashing over the wall above.

Unable to get off the beach, a fourth member of the group on shore had called the emergency services.

Officers used throwing ropes carried in their squad cars to tie themselves together and pull the three youngsters to safety.

The same five officers, still drenched from their exploits, were then called to Grandes Rocques, where a group of teenagers had become stranded on the rocks known as K2.

PC Josh Chalmers was one of those involved. He said it was the first time he had gone into the sea in uniform.

‘We managed to pull everyone up onto the steps using ropes with big Sam Simon as our anchor at the top, by which time we were totally drenched,’ he said.

‘The teenagers were getting checked out in the ambulance when we got the second call. We drove to Grandes Rocques and waded out to help three young boys get back safely to shore. The sea was waist-high by this point and the conditions were rougher than either we or the boys on the rocks were expecting.

‘It was then back to base for a quick change of clothes, and back out on shift.’

Guernsey Coastguard’s Mike Harris said the weather and tide had made conditions on Thursday particularly dangerous, but islanders should always exercise caution around the sea. He also reiterated previous warnings about accessing and jumping from rocks.

‘Fortunately both incidents yesterday had positive outcomes, but it could have been very different,’ he said.

‘We want everyone to enjoy our beautiful waters and coastline, but please be safe. Consider the risks to yourself and to others, have a plan for getting back to shore and keep in mind what the weather and tide are doing.’

He said with the current spring tides and strong westerly winds, there is an increased risk of swimming in.

‘In particular for anyone tombstoning off rocks on the west coast, which we would not advise anyone to consider it as a pastime,’ he said.

‘Parents, please ensure that your children are made fully aware of these dangers and advise against these activities, especially over the high waters.’