Ventnor Coastguard Rescue Team

09/10/2026

🚨 September 2026 roundup 🚨

It continued to be steady for us in September and we responded to 17 incidents including:

📟 1 x casualty evacuation ⛑️
📟 4 x water rescues 🌊
📟 4 x rope rescues 🧗‍♂️
📟 3 x searches 👀
📟 2 x investigations 🔎
📟 1 x civil contingency 🚨
📟 2 x helicopter landing sites 🚁

Training consisted of rope rescue practice for those upskilling to new competencies during October.

06/09/2026

🚨 August 2026 roundup 🚨

In August we responded to 21 incidents which was the same number as we had in July including:

📟 7 x casualty evacuations ⛑️
📟 6 x water rescues 🌊
📟 1 x mud rescue 🛟
📟 1 x rope rescue 🧗‍♂️
📟 2 x searches 👀
📟 3 x investigations 🔎
📟 1 x civil contingency 🚨

At the beginning of the month it was the annual Cowes Week sailing regatta. The team spent three days of the week on operational deployment dealing with incidents and were on patrol with our flank teams at the firework display at the end of the week.

We also took part in PR activities, including Ventnor Carnival with Ventnor Carnival Association in the middle of the month.

Training consisted of search and some local knowledge too. In addition, we trained in rope rescue for upcoming assessments for some team members who are upskilling their current competencies.

As summer draws to a close, the autumnal weather looks like it’s here but we’ve had a very busy start to September already! So far this year, the team have responded to 134 incidents.

Our great coastline is still a fantastic place to visit at this time of the year but remember to plan ahead and stay safe.

12/08/2026

We’re pleased to support the Ventnor Carnival Main Procession this evening. Good luck to everyone taking part tonight and we’re grateful to Ventnor Carnival Association to be awarded the ‘Spirit of Ventnor Carnival 2026’! Well done to the Carnival Association for all of the organisation to put on the event for the community.

Picture taken just before the procession started and then we were called to an incident. We managed to jump in at the end to see the last bit though!

09/08/2026

🚨 July 2026 roundup 🚨

July continued to be busy for the team with 21 incidents we responded to including:

📟 2 x casualty evacuations ⛑️
📟 7 x water rescues 🌊
📟 2 x helicopter landing sites 🚁
📟 4 x rope rescues 🧗‍♂️
📟 1 x royal fish 🐬
📟 4 x investigations 🔎
📟 1 x civil contingency 🚨

It was the annual Round the Island Yacht Race where all three Isle of Wight Coastguard Rescue Teams (and Lymington CRT) were deployed to provide a quick response to incidents in collaboration with our other search and rescue (SAR) partners. The day passed without too many incidents and the team spent around 14 hours on deployment.

Training consisted of rope and harbour rescue techniques this month and we welcomed our local MP and local Councillor to one of our rope practice sessions with our Senior Coastal Operations Officer to show more about what we do.

The summer is in full swing and the good weather looks set to continue. Enjoy our wonderful coastline and all that it has to offer but stay safe.

03/07/2026

🚨 June 2026 roundup 🚨

June turned out to be our busiest month so far this year with 24 incidents we responded to including:

📟 6 x casualty evacuations ⛑️
📟 9 x water rescues 🌊
📟 2 x helicopter landing sites 🚁
📟 3 x rope rescues 🧗‍♂️
📟 2 x searches 👀
📟 2 x investigations 🔎

Training consisted of rope and casualty care this month. We went through our yearly revalidation in casualty care with our Senior Coastal Operations Officer as well.

With the summer season here, we also attended some PR events in our local area to talk and show about what the Coastguard does along with delivering key safety messages.

Finally, we said a sad farewell to Ben (Ventnor 03) as he relocates to Australia with his family. Ben spent 11 years serving with the team and achieved all competencies in rope technician, mud technician and officer in charge. He was also part of the Coastguard national flood team. We all wish him the very best and he will be really missed by the whole team.

14/06/2026

🚨 May 2026 roundup 🚨

We’re a bit later than usual, but here’s our roundup for May. It was a steady month and we responded to 12 incidents including:

📟 6 x casualty evacuations ⛑️
📟 1 x water rescue 🌊
📟 1 x helicopter landing site 🚁
📟 1 x rope rescue 🧗‍♂️
📟 1 x search 👀
📟 1 x investigation 🔎
📟 1 x civil contingencies 🚨

We continued our weekly training sessions where we covered mud & rope rescue, and casualty care. In addition our Senior Coastal Operations Officer (SCOO) covered a water rescue revalidation session where some of the team were due. This is another skill we are required to renew every three years.

We are also in the process of upskilling some of our team in additional skills in rope, mud and Officer in Charge competencies which will continue over the coming months.

In early May we spent time with Cowes Lifeboat at their 999 day.

31/05/2026

🚨⬇️⬇️🚨

24/05/2026

‼️ ⬇️⬇️ ‼️

Mud can trap you faster than you think.

If you get stuck or get into trouble along the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

23/05/2026

👇

Taking a dip in the sea on a hot day? ⛱️

Don’t be fooled, just because it’s sunny doesn’t mean the water is warm.

Entering cold water, whether deliberately or accidentally, can cause cold water shock.

When this happens, you may gasp involuntarily, followed by rapid breathing that can be very difficult to control. This can increase the risk of inhaling water and drowning.

Never jump straight in. Instead, enter the water slowly to help your body adjust, and avoid swimming alone. Wearing a wetsuit can also help by improving buoyancy and reducing the effects of cold water.

Don’t forget to have warm clothes ready for when you come back to shore.

In an emergency at the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

21/05/2026

👇

Temperatures over the next few days will be unusually high for this time of year 🌡️

While it may feel like a summer’s day, the sea will still be fairly cold so take care if you’re heading to the coast this weekend 🌊