Official data from the RNLI shows that just one life was saved by Channel Island lifeboats last year – but the 102 callouts across the islands helped 139 people in total suggesting that hundreds of tragedies were in fact avoided by the hard work of volunteers.
The 2025 statistics show that Guernsey’s St Peter Port lifeboat crew were dispatched 42 times, saving 42 people and officially saving one life.
Alderney’s RNLI lifeboat launched 14 times, aiding 38 people.
Along with volunteers in Jersey, and across the British Isles, the RNLI crews drop everything to respond to emergencies as soon as a call for help comes in.
Last year’s calls for help ranged from people cut off by the tide to those in difficulty at sea, including a teenage boy who told Express how relieved he felt when he saw the Inshore Lifeboat coming to rescue him at Grandes Rocques a year ago.
Not all stories have a happy ending though.
On one tragic occasion in August 2025, Guernsey’s lifeboat crew along with the Channel Islands Air Search team were asked to help search for a man who had fallen overboard about 15 miles northwest of Guernsey.
He was found, transferred to a French Rescue helicopter and taken to Cherbourg Hospital, but was later pronounced deceased.
Richard Evans, RNLI lifeboat Operations Manager at St Peter Port lifeboat station, said these stories, and the number of call outs responded to, illustrate the demand for the lifesaving service across the charity’s four stations in the Channel Islands.
“From our lifeboat station in Guernsey, our volunteer crew see just how quickly situations can escalate at sea,” he said. “Last year was a demanding one, with the station launching 42 times, aiding 42 people and saving one life. Each call out represents someone in real danger, and our volunteer crews are always ready to respond, day or night.”
Mr Evans and the St Peter Port and Alderney RNLI crews are backing a new fundraising and awareness initiative from the national charity – which is putting out its own ‘Mayday Call’
The ‘Mayday Mile’ will see participants cover a mile a day across the month of May.
Every penny raised will help ensure the charity’s lifesavers have everything they need to keep people safe this summer and beyond said Kate Eardley, Head of International Global Drowning Prevention at the RNLI.
“These latest statistics make it clear that our lifesaving service remains as vital as ever. Whether it’s paddleboarders caught by offshore winds, walkers stranded by the tide or boaters in difficulty, our crews are answering calls every day of the year.
“Taking part in the Mayday Mile is a simple way for people to support our volunteers. Every pound raised helps ensure our crews can launch at a moment’s notice — and be there for families when they need us most.”
To sign up for the Mayday Mile, or to make a donation in support of the RNLI’s lifesavers, visit RNLI.org/supportMayday
“As we look ahead towards a busy summer on the water, the Mayday Mile is a really important way for people to support our lifesaving work,” said Mr Evans. “By taking part this May, supporters help ensure we have the training, equipment and resources so we can be there when help is needed most.”
