Dorset Search and Rescue

06/06/2026

We couldn't have Volunteers' Week without our dedicated volunteers!
Thank you to all our incredible Dorset Search and Rescue volunteers for your dedication, courage and compassion.
Whether you’re out in the forest, on the coast or supporting behind the scenes, your commitment makes a life‑saving difference!

We’re so proud of our amazing team. Thank you DORSAR!!

05/06/2026

Today we talk to Tom and what it means to him to volunteer

Name
Tom - Callsign DS98

Your Dorsar role(s):
Incident Commander, Search Manager, Team leader, licensed search technician. Most recently I have become involved with training not just for new trainees but keeping all of our members operational with standardised training. In the past I have held multiple roles including chairman.

Your day job:
Fibre optic cable installer.

How long have they been volunteering:
I have been a part of DorSAR now for 12 and a half years.

Why do you volunteer:
I volunteer to meet you new people, to share my skills and ultimately with Dorset search and Rescue to help the missing person and their families.

How did you hear about Dorsar?
I heard about DorSAR through a friend in my village while taking our children out trick or treating!

Why do you continue to volunteer:
I continue to volunteer for DorSAR because it is now part of me and who I am. It’s like a second family and one that I am proud to be part of

04/06/2026

Have you seen Jenson who is missing from

Jenson, who is 15 years old, was last seen in Columbia Road just before 9pm on Sunday 31 May 2026.

He is described as six feet tall and of slim build. He was last seen wearing a brown jacket and grey jogging bottoms.

Police Constable Ben Richards, of Dorset Police, said: “We have made numerous enquiries trying to find Jenson, but have so far been unsuccessful.

“I am hoping that someone has information about where he might be, which can help us to ensure he is safe and well.”

Anyone with information or knowledge as to Jenson’s whereabouts is asked to contact Dorset Police online or by calling 999, quoting occurrence number 55260080548.

Please share this appeal.

MISSING | We are searching for a missing boy in Bournemouth and would like the public’s help in our efforts to find him.

Jenson, who is 15 years old, was last seen in Columbia Road just before 9pm on Sunday 31 May 2026.

He is described as six feet tall and of slim build. He was last seen wearing a brown jacket and grey jogging bottoms.

Police Constable Ben Richards, of Dorset Police, said: “We have made numerous enquiries trying to find Jenson, but have so far been unsuccessful.

“I am hoping that someone has information about where he might be, which can help us to ensure he is safe and well.”

Anyone with information or knowledge as to Jenson’s whereabouts is asked to contact Dorset Police online or by calling 999, quoting occurrence number 55260080548.

04/06/2026

Continuing shining a light into who our volunteers are, today we are meeting Sian!

Name:
Sian - Callsign SU517

Dorsar role(s):
Non-Operational Support

Day job:
Data Analyst

How long have you been volunteering?
I’m currently in my eighth year with Dorsar.

Why do you volunteer?
I’ve always been involved in volunteering, from PTAs to support groups, but I’d never considered search and rescue as an option because my physical health can fluctuate due to chronic health conditions. When I learned about Dorsar, I realised I could use my experience in fundraising and community engagement to make a meaningful contribution.
As a charity that relies entirely on donations, fundraising and public awareness are vital to ensuring we can continue supporting search operations when people need us most. Being able to play a part in that is incredibly rewarding.

How did you hear about Dorsar?
Through friends who were already part of the team.

Why do you continue to volunteer?
Dorsar plays such an important role during some of the most difficult moments in people’s lives, and it’s vital that we can continue providing that support. Over the years, I’ve also made some wonderful friendships and become involved in far more than just fundraising. I’ve helped with training, supported team social events, and even featured in a news story about the work we do.
Volunteering with Dorsar is rewarding in so many different ways, and I feel very privileged to be part of such a dedicated and supportive team

03/06/2026

Today, we hear from our Volunteer, Bob.

Name:
Bob - Callsign DS10

Your Dorsar role(s):
My role is that of a team leader, and I've been held that position for 20 years. I've also been competency group leader in search techniques, organized major search exercises and been involved in tracking training.

Your day job:
I worked for most of my life in the motor trade since leaving school until retirement.

How long have they been volunteering:
I've been a volunteer in Dorsar for over 20 years.

Why do you volunteer:
I volunteer because I like to save lives and give families closure. Also the camaraderie, sharing bonds with like minded people. There are great opportunities to share and enhance your skills through training such as navigation, first aid, casualty care, radio coms, and teamwork.

How did you hear about Dorsar?
I heard about and became involved with Dorset Search and Rescue when a friend in the motor trade came in one day looking very tired and I asked him why and he told me he'd been out all night helping Dorset Police with helicopters and teams of people looking for high risk missing person. I was very intrigued, so I discussed this further and became involved with Dorset Search and Rescue and have never looked back.

Why do you continue to volunteer:
I continue volunteering as it helps to keep me fit and have a purpose. I hopefully pass on knowledge gained over the years to other people within Dorset Search and Rescue

02/06/2026

Continuing on with Volunteers' week, we interviewed our Volunteers about why they do what they:

First Meet Freya

Name:
Freya - Callsign DS33

DORSAR Role:
I am a search technician and also a team medic.

Day Job:
I am a specialist manager with adult social care for Dorset Council.

How long have you been volunteering:
I have been volunteering for just over 4 years.

How did you hear about DorSAR:
I knew about the great work of DorSAR through an other volunteering role I do. When my day job changed, I knew I would have more flexibility to be able to attend and search. I applied to join via the website and I was so excited when I invited to an interview and then offered a place to train to be a search tech.

Why do you volunteer?
At the risk of sounding like a twee record, I like to help people. I have been involved in volunteering in different ways for most of my life and have seen what an impact it has on individuals, families and communities. To be able to volunteer with DorSAR, you need to be physically fit, have the flexibility to attend whenever and wherever and be able to learn new skills and be willing to keep learning. This means not everyone who wants to help others can volunteer with DorSAR. I am proud that I can and therefore will keep doing it as long as I can.

Why do you continue to volunteer?
Volunteering with DorSAR is so much more than what I can do for others. It has given me so much. I have earned many different skills and qualifications as well as gained a second family. I have completed mental health first aid training as well as other mental health specific courses. I am now a part of the welfare team so I can support other team members if required. I have also been trained as a first responder level medic. I have had reason to use these skills outside of DorSAR and I am so grateful that I had had this training so I could do my best to help others.

Finally and most importantly, I have met some amazing people and am proud to call them my friends. Volunteering has given me a second family that I have only recently realised was so important. I am currently recovering from breast cancer and cant go out with the team for the time being. My DorSAR family has been there for me at this difficult time and I can't wait to get back out there with them.

For anyone thinking of voluteering, I say do it. You will gain more from it than you can possibly realise.

01/06/2026

National Volunteers' Week is here and at Dorset Search and Rescue, we are a charity run completely by volunteers. Behind every strong community are volunteers quietly making things happen. From supporting local events to helping people in need, volunteers bring energy, kindness, and connection. If you’ve ever thought about giving it a try, then this week is your sign! You might just find a new passion, a new friend or a new skill.

28/05/2026

Our volunteers were invited back to last weekends Bournemouth 7s Festival. For the past 6 years the Dorset Search and Rescue team have been responsible for managing the 7s Information Point, helping the 30,000 players & festivalgoers throughout the day and early evening.

We were also at hand to co-ordinate any on site search should vulnerable adult's or children go missing and we are glad to report we were not called out over the weekend for this.

We are looking forward to assisting the Bournemouth 7s team again in 2027 for their 20th year!

28/05/2026

In the hot weather, cold water can still kill.

Hot weather doesn’t mean safe water. 🌊

Cold water shock can happen in seconds, even on the warmest days. If you’re swimming outdoors, take care, know the risks, and never swim alone.

Stay safe and look out for each other. 💙

27/05/2026

Here is a really important water safety message from Midshires Search and Rescue about cold water shock and how to keep yourself safe.