It was only Matthew Webster’s quick thinking and bravery that prevented a double tragedy.
He pulled young Bryn Butler from the water on 19 June, but he and others were unable to save Anthony Christon (46), who died in the water.
As well as praising rescuers Mr Webster, Dag Veiby and Michael Charlton, the Deputy Viscount, Peter de Gruchy, warned that those who did not fully understand the dangers of the sea should heed the warning signs.
He said even people who had experience with watersports and who came to live in, or visit, the Island should familiarise themselves with local conditions.
‘It is common knowledge that there are dangerous currents in St Ouen’s Bay,’ he said.
Mr de Gruchy’s comments followed those of Pc Steven Webb, who headed the police investigation and confirmed there were warning signs where Bryn’s mother and Mr Christon had come down onto the beach.
However, Pc Webb said: ‘It is not really the sort of thing you look for when you go for a pleasant day out with the family.’ Turning to Bryn’s mother, Hannah Butler, and members of Mr Christon’s family who moved to the Island from North Yorkshire, Mr de Gruchy said he had thought hard about a suitable analogy.
He said that he had been brought up in Jersey and learned the ‘inherent dangers’ of the sea from a young age, but he would not venture out onto the North Yorkshire Moors without the proper equipment and training.
