Airborne Search and Rescue Releases Summer Safety Advisory

CIAS Urges Coastal Caution as Hot Weather Draws Crowds

As warm weather lures more people to the coast, Channel Islands Air Search (CIAS) is urging the public to stay safe while enjoying the sea and shoreline.

The voluntary airborne search and rescue service, which patrols the waters around the Channel Islands, issued a seasonal safety reminder via social media, warning of the potential hazards the sea poses — especially for those caught off guard during summer outings.

“Whether you're swimming, paddleboarding, boating, or simply enjoying the views, it’s essential to stay safe while soaking up the sun,” a CIAS spokesperson said. “We don’t want your summer adventures to end in distress.”

The organisation shared several key safety tips:

• Swimmers should wear bright swim caps or tow floats to remain visible in the water.

• Boaters are advised to ensure their vessels are seaworthy and properly equipped before heading out. Letting someone know your planned route can also significantly narrow the search area if something goes wrong.

• Everyone should stay hydrated and avoid prolonged sun exposure — particularly during physical activities — to prevent heat-related incidents.

CIAS reminded the public that it remains on call year-round and at all hours. In its latest annual report, the service revealed it had doubled its activity levels in 2024, responding to a wide range of incidents — from overdue vessels to inland searches for missing persons — across a vast 4,000 square mile (6,437 sq km) area.

On average, the team is now called out every 11.4 days — a marked increase from previous years.

“We’re here when things go wrong,” said the spokesperson, “but we’d much rather help people avoid danger in the first place.”