Emergency services were called to Havelet this morning after calls came in of a "lone swimmer in difficulty in the water".

A member of the public had raised the alarm after seeing the swimmer struggling in rough seas and 40mph winds outside of the Bathing Pools.

Guernsey Police and Coastguard officers were despatched to the scene, while the crew of the St Peter Port Inshore Lifeboat were paged. They were stood down prior to launch when the swimmer was seen to pull himself out of the water.

He climbed on to rocks outside of the Bathing Pools, grazing his feet but otherwise leaving the water unharmed.

Pictured: Guernsey's children and ladies' bathing pools.

Coastguard Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator James Way said this should serve as a warning to all sea swimmers, especially those intending to swim through the winter months, as there are many dangers ahead. 

“Sea swimming all year round is an increasingly popular pastime and whilst the benefits are well known, people must understand the risks and how to enjoy the activity safely, especially as we head into winter," he warned.

"Conditions this morning were extremely poor for open water swimming with strong winds, rough seas, and poor visibility during heavy showers."

Mr Way said that although all of the emergency services were called, and police and coastguard officers were on the scene, the lifeboat crew may not have been able to come to their assistance as the conditions were so bad, it may have been dangerous for the crew to launch the inshore lifeboat.

"Whilst the Inshore Lifeboat was paged, it is unlikely she would have launched on service as conditions were right on the margin for her safe operation, so we are fortunate that the struggling swimmer was able to get out of the water without assistance," he said.

Harbour Master and Chief Coastguard Captain David Barker echoed this warning for all winter sea swimmers.

“Regardless of your strength or experience, the sea can always catch you out," he said. "Whilst we want people to enjoy activities such as sea swimming and will always respond when we are called in an emergency, we do ask that people consider the risks and think twice when conditions are marginal because your actions may also put emergency responders at risk.”

Pictured: The inshore lifeboat was despatched to a recent rescue mission at Moulin Huet.

According to data shared by the Royal Lifesaving Society, around 85% of accidental drownings in the UK occur at open water swimming sites including on the coast.

It says that many of these drownings occur due to "a lack of knowledge and understanding of open water safety".

It also warns that risks to consider include a swimmer suffering cold water shock, a lack of safety equipment, any changes in water depth, the threat of underwater hazards, strong tides, and current and future weather conditions.

In an emergency, Guernsey Coastguard can be contacted by dialling 999 or by calling on maritime VHF Radio Channel 16.