The Government of Jersey has closed the Victoria Marine Lake at West Park after a child was swept out to sea through a hole in the structure on June 21, 2026.
The tidal current pulled the child through a deteriorating opening in the seawall, prompting an emergency rescue.
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The child was treated at a hospital and discharged with minor injuries.
Although the incident occurred on June 21, the Infrastructure department did not receive a formal report until July 1.
An immediate assessment revealed significant safety risks due to the structure's worsening condition.
Safety Measures and Public Warning
Infrastructure officers have installed enhanced warning signs and are evaluating the installation of physical barriers and further engineering interventions.
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Deputy Jonathan Renouf, Jersey's Minister for Infrastructure, stated, "We are extremely fortunate that this serious incident did not result in a tragedy."
"While the child involved thankfully escaped with minor injuries, under different circumstances, the outcome could have been far more serious, and potentially fatal," Renouf added.
The department emphasized that islanders must closely supervise children in the vicinity and stay completely away from the marine pool while safety assessments continue.
Government engineers are addressing immediate structural risks while drafting plans for permanent, long-term solutions for the West Park site.
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"I am asking everyone to follow the safety advice and stay out of the Marine Lake at West Park while this work is undertaken," Renouf said.
