Safety measures introduced following "rise in near misses" at St Catherine's Harbour - Jersey Evening Post
by James Jeune · Jersey Evening PostPosted inNews
Safety measures introduced following “rise in near misses” at St Catherine’s Harbour
by James Jeune 5 August 20264 August 2026
Share this:
A SWIM platform and recommended swimming area are among the measures being introduced in St Catherine’s Harbour by Ports of Jersey to help ensure those using the space can share it safely following “a rise in near misses”.
The new arrangements are being introduced as part of a trial scheme that will be monitored over the summer season.
Outlining the changes in a message to harbour users, Jersey’s harbourmaster Captain Bill Sadler noted that the “valued” coastal site is enjoyed by swimmers, boaters, anglers, paddleboarders, harbour users and visitors – with a variety of activities taking place “side by side”.
“As the harbour has become increasingly busy, particularly during the summer months, we have seen a rise in near misses and situations where different users are operating in close proximity around the slipway, fairway and mooring areas,” he said.
“Following an independent safety review, alongside observations and feedback from harbour users, it became clear that there are opportunities to improve how the harbour functions as a shared space.”
Among other measures, the trial includes a recommended marked swimming area and swim platform intended to encourage swimmers “away from the main vessel loading, launching and recovery area”.
There will also be “shared-space” signs at the main access point, as well as public-realm improvements around the slipway and an activity information board highlighting planned operations, events and activities.
A clearly-marked seasonal navigational channel and five-knot markers will continue to be used, and moorings that encroach on the fairway may be repositioned “where necessary”.
Captain Sadler added: “The intention is not to restrict enjoyment of the harbour, create exclusive areas, or favour one group over another.
“Rather, it is to support the continued safe and enjoyable use of St Catherine’s by everyone who uses it.”
Feedback from users will be considered alongside any reported incidents or concerns as part of analysis of the trial to determine where improvements can be made.
“Ultimately, our objective is to create a safer, more predictable and welcoming environment while preserving the character of St Catherine’s as a shared harbour enjoyed by a wide range of users,” Captain Sadler said.
“We would encourage everyone to engage positively with the trial and share their experiences so that any long-term arrangements are shaped by those who use the harbour most.”
Speaking to the JEP, Jersey Long Distance Swimming Club president Jenny Fitzgerald highlighted that St Catherine’s Harbour could get “really busy” at times.
Noting that the club was an organised activity and kept out of the way of other users, she added that the trial was “not really so much for us “, adding it was more for “people who might just go down for a dip at the end of the day”.
She said: “From their perspective, to have somewhere they know is out of the way from all the other traffic is probably a good idea.”
Related
Read the latest free supplements
Read the Homelife, Connect and a whole host of other subjects like ranging from cycling to travel.
View all our latest supplements now >