A KAYAKER whose trip to Herm sparked a missing person search said that he had done everything by the book. But British Canoe Union coach Ash Jeyes, 22, did warn others of the risks.

Police started a search yesterday morning after a member of the public saw his car with clothing in it near Bordeaux slipway.

Mr Jeyes, who was quickly traced to Herm, said: ‘It is good that the public are aware and looking out for other people, but I’m not so sure about people panicking about it.

‘Anyone could have parked that car there – all I left in it was a pair of shorts and flip-flops.’

Mr Jeyes said he had done everything to ensure his safety, including carrying out a full risk assessment of the trip.

‘You should always have an exit route planned if something changes.

‘Ours was to get the ferry back, which we did yesterday morning.’

Mr Jeyes said he and his kayaking partner had informed more than one person of their plans, had taken mobile and satellite phones, flares, food, buoyancy aids and worn high-vis clothing.

‘On a trip like this I would not be contacting the police to let them know,’ he said.

Mr Jeyes said that he did not want the recent spate of emergencies to put people off watersports.

But he said that any kayaker should know their limits before attempting any crossing and it was important to map the route, take a compass and arrange a check-in time with someone on dry land.

‘It’s only been in the last couple of years that people have been going out but too much growth ‘in the sport’ too quickly means people aren’t aware of the dangers.’

Ambulance and Rescue Service chief officer Neil Tucker said the inshore rescue boat had been launched three times in just eight days for incidents that ranged from casualties who had fallen on the cliffs, to rubber dinghies being blown out to sea.

It has also investigated sightings of people who were not in danger.

‘It is not always easy for someone on the shore to tell and we would rather be called to confirm that no one is in trouble than find that an onlooker has delayed calling and the incident has become worse,’ said Mr Tucker.

He asked people to observe sensible rules and heed the advice of the harbour master with regard to safety at sea.

‘One problem is that beachgoers use inflatable dinghies which are really toys,’ he said.

‘They can find themselves drifting or being blown out to sea. In particular, parents should keep a close watch on children.’

The inshore rescue boats are called out on average 15 to 25 times annually and so far this year have responded to 17 calls.

Harbour master Peter Gill said: ‘People need to be aware of their own abilities.’

Adventure sports coordinator and long-time kayaker Ant Ford-Parker said: ‘The guy who went out on Monday was experienced so I don’t think he was doing anything wrong.’