Airborne search and rescue issues summer warning

A 24 hour, 365 days a year operation, its missions range from locating missing people inland to overdue vessels at sea

Channel Islands Air Search (CIAS) is urging people to take extra care on the coast as people experience the hot weather.

The voluntary airborne search and rescue service, which operates in Channel Island waters, has taken to social media to warn to of the dangers the sea can hold for unsuspecting sunseekers.

CIAS said it wanted to make sure everyone followed a few basic, but important tips - whether they were swimming, paddleboarding, boating or simply enjoying the views.

"It's essential to stay safe while soaking up the sun because we don't want your summer adventures to end in distress," said a spokesperson.

The advice to swimmers included staying visible in the water by wearing bright swim caps or floats to be visible to potential rescuers.

Boaters were advised to check that their vessel was seaworthy and fully equipped before setting off across the waves, while telling someone your route beforehand would limit the potential search area should anyone get lost.

Staying hydrated and avoiding overexposure to the sun, especially during physical activity, was another good way of ensuring a day out does not end in disaster.

CIAS said it received callouts all year round at any time of day and responded to a record number last autumn.

Deployed to incidents across 4,000 sq miles (6,437 sq km) of water, the team also revealed in its recent annual report that it had become twice as busy generally in 2024.

Averaging one callout every 11.4 days, its missions ranged from locating missing people inland to overdue vessels at sea.