Guernsey Coastguard

13/06/2026

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Helping children and young people learn water safety skills could save lives 💙

It's Drowning Prevention Week, raising awareness of the importance of staying safe in and around water.

Start conversations, share advice, and help spread the message.

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

07/06/2026

****Coastguard Drone Unit****

This week we shone a light on our amazing drone unit volunteers during National Volunteers week:

THE Guernsey Coastguard is celebrating the volunteers from its Search & Rescue Drone Unit over the course of National Volunteers’ Week, highlighting their role in lifesaving operations around the Bailiwick.

26/05/2026

23/05/2026

Fantastic initiative by the Guernsey Boat Owners Association, A B Marine Ltd and Marine and General.

23/05/2026

The hot weather has arrived in time for the Bank Holiday weekend and the forecast for tomorrow and Monday is looking very warm, so Public Health is sharing advice for islanders to stay safe in the sunshine:

🚰 Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated – water is best.

☀️ Regularly apply sun cream when outside, cover up with cool clothing and a hat, and find shade between 11am and 3pm.

🌡️ Know the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, which include heavy sweating, elevated body temperature, dizziness, fainting and nausea.

🏠 Keep your home cool by allowing air inside, and closing curtains or blinds on windows that face the sun.

👥 Check in on people who may be at risk.

The hot weather is nothing to be alarmed about, but it can start to pose health risks if you don't stay hydrated.

Visit gov.gg/weather to stay up to date with the forecast.

11/05/2026

Local Notice to Mariners 002/2026 issued for an obstruction in the entrance to Creux Harbour, Sark. Please visit https://harbours.gg/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=200467&p=0 for more information.

18/04/2026

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Even on warm, sunny days, cold water can be dangerous 🥶

Entering water below 15°C can trigger an involuntary gasp for air, followed by rapid, uncontrollable breathing. If this happens in the water, it can make it difficult to keep your airway clear and increase the risk of inhaling water and drowning.

To reduce the risk:

• Check the water temperature and tide times before deciding to go in.

• Avoid swimming alone, go with others - doesn't have to always be with a group, but just having one other person there could help.

• Be seen. Wear a brightly coloured swim cap and consider using a floatation device or tow float.

• Wear a wetsuit appropriate for your activity.

• Enter the water slowly to allow your body to adjust to the temperature and help regulate your breathing.

• Know your limits; cold water shock can affect anyone, including experienced swimmers.

Tag someone you care about to remind them of these safety tips 💙

16/04/2026

🚨 Training Exercise – Havelet Bay 🚨

This evening, we will be conducting a planned training exercise in Havelet Bay between 18:00 & 19:30.

The exercise will involve the RNLI inshore lifeboat, a swimmer, and the Guernsey Coastguard drone.

During the exercise, a small section of the top walkway on the Castle Emplacement will be closed for public safety.

13/04/2026

03/04/2026

When you fall into trouble at sea, every moment counts. Being able to swiftly locate a casualty can make all the difference.

That's why we are strongly encouraging all mariners to carry a registered Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) or a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) whenever you are at sea.

From 15 April 2026, PLBs on UK-flagged vessels must be registered, just like EPIRBs. While these rules apply to UK vessels, we urge all Guernsey mariners to do the same.

Registering your emergency device is one of the simplest ways to improve your safety at sea.

✅ In the event of emergency, it helps our Maritime Watch Officers know who is in trouble, where you are, and what help is needed.

✅ EPIRBs and PLBs work independently of your boat’s power or navigation systems, which can fail in emergencies.

Already have a PLB? Now is the perfect time to check the following, ahead of the boating season:

✅ Registration. Ensure your device is registered online with up-to-date information. Registration is quick, easy and free at https://www.gov.uk/register-406-beacons

✅ Lifejacket. This is a good place to keep your PLB. Always check you have both before taking to the water.

✅ Batteries. Don't forget to check that your batteries are in date. Any expired batteries can be disposed of free of charge at the Household Waste & Recycling Centre.

Taking a few minutes to register or check your device could make a life-saving difference at sea.