Safety Tips in Jersey

Jersey is a well-policed Island (Police State), however as in any place in the modern world drugs do exist. However, any drug offence is taken extremely seriously. There are no warning signs at the departure points all around the UK or the sea ports on the continent concerning the situation of drugs in Jersey, as there are extremely harsh sentences for possessing drugs, let alone trafficking. It's really is not a wise idea to have anything to do with drugs, as you can expect a very tough sentence if apprehended - after a recent court case in which a person was imprisoned for many years for trafficking a small quantity of cannabis, it was suggested that the ports and seaports should have warning notices.
This may be implemented or it may not, but remember if there are no notices at your airport when you leave for Jersey, it is illegal and the sentences are going to get much harsher. You have been warned.

For nearly five years, Jersey was under German Nazi rule and, along with the rest of the Channel Islands, it was the only part of Great Britain to be occupied during World War II.

The Channel Islands was one of the most heavily defended parts of Hitler's Atlantic Wall and he personally ordered the islands to be turned into fortresses, and to be defended to the last man. Hence Jersey was the last place the Nazis surrended. Liberation came the day after VE day.

It proved to be so difficult to get rid of the many concrete bunkers after the war, that they are still dotted around the coast. Many have been buried or welded shut. However many kids and even adults break in and enter these underground tombs in the vain search for helmets and equipment which is long gone. It has been know for persons to pass out, suffocate and even die due to the bad air in the tunnels and bunkers.

As Jersey is not part of the EU visitors can still purchase duty free items while enroute. The maximum allowances a visitor may take home duty free are; 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250 grammes of tobacco; 1 litre of alcoholic drink if the strength is more than 22% volume or 2 litres if the strength is not more than 22% volume or 2 litres of fortified or sparkling wine plus two litres of still table wine. 60cc/ml of Perfume and 250cc/ml of toilet water. Obviously the alcohol and cigarette allowances are for people over 18 only. The maximum personal allowance for other goods, including gifts is £145. This allowance is per person and the value of purchases cannot be combined with other members of the party. Items in excess are liable to VAT.

Drugs are banned in Jersey and anyone found in possession faces a stiff sentence. There are also strict drink driving laws and those caught can expect a large fine, at least 12 months driving ban and for a second offence sometimes a prison sentence of up to 2 years. Roadside breath testing is also in operation. To drive without insurance could also mean a driving ban. Serious crime is thankfully rare, perhaps because the minute it is reported, the ports and airport are immediately put on alert.

As Jersey has its own money you cannot spend it anywhere else but Jersey! Worth noting to spend everything before you head home or change it at the nearest cashier!

Another quirky feature is that Jersey still has a one pound note. They do produce a pound coin but somehow the note stuck around!

(NB You can use English money (i.e. from the UK) in Jersey but just be sure to have all loose change "converted" before you leave the island!!)

Men are still banned from knitting during August & September! This was to ensure that they harvested the fields instead of knit!! The law passed in the 17th century still applies today. In the 16th century many knitted articles were exported to England & France. The word 'jersey' is still used in association with jumpers .....

The sea can be dangerous!! A particular beach to be careful on is St. Ouen's (on the west coast). It is a spectacular beach but has strong undercurrents. Swim in the designated area which is patrolled by the life guards. Always keep an eye on your friends and family.

Jersey is a great place for families with children: lots and lots to do at the beaches, 20 miles of white beaches, cleaner than clean and lots also inland.

Such an gigantic ice cream on a hot day is a real treat! Isn't it an ice cream with a little girl???

But I would like to warn you: keeop an eye on these precious little ones: so many high cliffs, so many hidden bays, so much water that looks so sweet and safe.....but the tides can surprise those little ones: ALWAYS KEEP AN EYE ON THEM....