Swim for it
Writer and keen swimmer Nicola Joyce loves Jersey’s beaches so much that this time last year she swam the island’s entire 44-mile coastline in one go – a 12-hour endeavour. Here’s her guide to outdoor swimming around the island, where the sea temperature can climb to a delightful 20°C in late summer. There’s a bathing adventure to suit [...]
Writer and keen swimmer Nicola Joyce loves Jersey’s beaches so much that this time
last year she swam the island’s entire 44-mile coastline in one go – a 12-hour endeavour.
Here’s her guide to outdoor swimming around the island, where the sea temperature
can climb to a delightful 20°C in late summer. There’s a bathing adventure to suit all
types of swimmer, from doggy-paddling children to seal-like near-professionals…
For a morning swim
Grève de Lecq on Jersey’s north coast is one of the island’s
most popular and accessible sandy beaches. It backs onto
high cliffs which shelter the beach from wind, but also
cuts out some of the afternoon sun, meaning the beach
is at its sunny best in the morning and early afternoon.
The calm waters here are safe for all levels of swimmer
unless there’s a heavy swell. If in any doubt, ask the
patrolling lifeguards whether it’s safe to swim.
For a swim to remember
At Havre des Pas, the closest beach to St Helier on the island’s south
coast, you’ll also find the sea-water lido. Built in 1895, it’s one of the oldest
active outdoor pools in the British Isles and the lido was recently restored with
a central diving platform (pictured) as well as a separate shallow children’s
pool. It is open daily and entry is free.
For a longer dip
Stretching out for five miles, the glorious sand of St Ouen’s
Bay offers swimmers a long, straight stretch of coast to explore
and, like St Brelade’s Bay (see below), it’s a great place for a
longer swim along the shoreline. Its exposed position leaves
it open to Atlantic swells, so consult the lifeguards if you are
unsure about sea conditions, and always obey signs and flags.
For a secret swim
Plemont, on the north coast of Jersey, is a sandy cove dotted with sea
caves and rock pools which will keep non-swimmers entertained
if not everyone in your party wants to hit the water. It’s also perfect for
the inquisitive tourist who wants to explore by water. Plemont is considered safe
for swimming when the sea is calm, but even the strongest of swimmers
should take care when an Atlantic swell causes breakers.
For a shore thing
St Brelade’s Bay has excellent
shelter and offers visitors the
luxury of soft, pale sand. As a
result, it’s far from undiscovered
and is often crowded during
summer months. But people
flock here for a reason, so why
not join them? St Brelade’s also
makes a great spot from which
to start a long swim, making sure
you stay parallel to the shore.
SAFETY SENSE: Only swim at beaches at times when
they are patrolled by lifeguards. Follow the lifeguards’
advice to make sure that your planned swim is safe, and
pay attention to flags and signs on the beach that advise you on
the weather and sea conditions for swimming.
For more information about organised swimming events, visitwww.jerseyswimmingclub.com
and www.jerseyseaswims.org
