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A dramatic rescue amid treacherous conditions in Jersey is being used to highlight the dangers local swimmers could face here too.
A sea swimmer had to be plucked to safety in a dramatic nighttime rescue during Sunday's high tide.
Two specially trained Jersey Fire and Rescue Service staff risked their own lives to save the swimmer with all three repeatedly thrown against the sea wall at St. Ouen's Bay on Jersey's west coast.
Watch: The successful rescue of a swimmer in distress in St Ouen's Bay (Evan Smith and Jersey Fire & Rescue Service).
The rescue mission was launched when the solo swimmer, who was not wearing a wetsuit and had no floatation aids, was seen in a distressed state and unable to get back to shore.
The swimmer was advised to stay beyond the breaking waves to avoid injury while Jersey Coastguard called out the RNLI's and Jersey Fire and Rescue Service's inshore boats.
The sea conditions were too rough for the JFRS inshore rescue boat to launch, so rescue swimmers were sent out, with the RNLI's all-weather lifeboat and inshore rib on standby.
The swimmer was finally picked up about 25 metres from the shore, after initially being spotted in line with the White House and then drifting north towards Sands.
Jersey Coastguard watch officer, Ford Ramsden, said: "This was a difficult rescue, in the dark, at high tide, with rough sea conditions and waves breaking against the sea wall.
"We would advise islanders never to go swimming late in the evening, as this endangers not only the swimmers themselves, but also the emergency services who are called out to rescue them.
"The outcome last night was positive, but it could easily have gone the other way."
Guernsey Coastguard has echoed the words of colleagues in Jersey, warning all swimmers to consider the risks when sea swimming given the rapidly changing nature of Guernsey’s tides.
Guernsey Harbour Master Captain David Barker said the difficult situation highlighted the risk that such incidents pose both to the individual and to the rescue teams.
With a high tidal range of up to 10 metres, and strong tidal currents in some areas which move faster than you can swim, Captain Barker said it is vital that swimmers think ahead and prepare accordingly.
“Sea swimming all year round is an increasingly popular pastime. While the benefits are well known, people must understand the risks and how to enjoy the activity safely. Regardless of your experience, the sea can always catch you out, even in the summer.
“Running into danger at sea can have severe and life-threatening consequences. As such, you should always consider the risks to yourself and to others, always have a plan for getting back to shore and keep the weather conditions in mind, as the state of tides around the Bailiwick can change very quickly.”
• Check the weather and tides before you take to the water
• Make sure you can enter and leave the water safely – bearing in mind that Guernsey’s tides rise and fall by up to 10 metres
• Avoid swimming where there are tidal currents - those around our islands are often faster than you can swim
• Make sure someone knows that you are going sea swimming and where. Ideally, you should have a safety person ashore who can keep an eye on you
• Consider using a high-visibility buoyancy aid with a leash if you are distance swimming
Earlier this month, Guernsey's emergency services had to rescue five children who were stranded on the K2 Rock at Grandes Rocques.
The light was failing and a combination of strong winds and large swells made it impossible for the St Peter Port Inshore Lifeboat to reach them so instead each child had to jump back into the water under the supervision of emergency volunteers before being pulled to the ILB by a throw line.
Captain Barker said this case had echoes of what happened in Jersey on Sunday.
“Given the precarious conditions in which those five children were rescued at Grandes Rocques, the outcome could have been very different, just as it could have been for the sea swimmer in Jersey on Sunday night, were it not for the bravery, skill and determination of the emergency services which serve our islands.”
Pictured: Guernsey's lifeboat recently had to deal with multiple call outs during a yacht race showing that even experienced sailors need help.
Mr Ramsden said Sunday's rescue in Jersey had a positive ending but it could have gone a very different way.
"Despite very dangerous circumstances, once on the scene our rescuers demonstrated their bravery, dedication and unwavering commitment to protecting and serving our community, and I commend them.
"We would also like to thank the members of public who gave their assistance under the supervision of firefighters to manage rescue ropes."
The swimmer and one of the firefighters were treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken to hospital.
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