Our work
Every call we answer is someone's worst moment. A walker who didn't make it back before dark. A family waiting by the phone. A life hanging in the balance somewhere out on Dorset's stunning — but unforgiving — coastline, heathland, or countryside. At Dorset Search and Rescue, we show up. Day or night, in driving rain or biting cold, our trained volunteer teams mobilise fast, search hard, and bring people home. From coordinating complex missing person searches to supporting the emergency services on the ground, this is what we do — and we're incredibly proud to do it.
specialist teams
Training our specialist teams requires investment in professional training, specialist equipment and bespoke kit to remain operational.
Coastal & Water Search Operations
Dorset is home to some of the most spectacular — and most treacherous — coastline in the United Kingdom. From the dramatic cliffs of the Jurassic Coast to the sweeping beaches of Bournemouth and Poole, our coastline draws millions of visitors every year. And with that beauty comes risk.Learn more
Dog team
Specialist search dogs and handlers work together to cover large areas efficiently and locate missing persons quickly.Learn more
Drone Operations
Technology is transforming search and rescue — and Dorset Search and Rescue is at the forefront of that change. Our trained drone operators use cutting-edge Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) technology to dramatically increase search efficiency, covering large areas of terrain in a fraction of the time it would take on foot.Learn more
Mental Health Crisis Response
Not every search is about a lost hiker or a missing child. Some of our most important — and most sensitive — work involves supporting people who are experiencing a mental health crisis. These are the callouts that stay with our volunteers longest, and the ones that remind us most powerfully why this work truly matters.Learn more
Missing Persons Searches
When someone goes missing, every minute counts. Whether it’s a vulnerable adult who has wandered from home, a child separated from their family, or a hiker who has lost their way on Dorset’s breathtaking but unforgiving terrain — our teams are ready to respond at a moment’s notice.Learn more
River bank search
Trained personnel search safely along rivers and canals – areas often involved in high-risk incidents.Learn more
Supporting Police & Emergency Services
We don’t work in isolation — and we’re proud of that. Dorset Search and Rescue exists to complement and support the incredible work of Dorset Police, the ambulance service, the fire service, and other emergency responders. When major incidents stretch resources thin, when a search requires more boots on the ground, or when specialist search skills are needed fast — that’s where we come in.Learn more
Be Part of Something That Truly Matters
Behind every one of these six areas of work is a team of extraordinary volunteers — ordinary people who chose to do something extraordinary with their time. People who train hard, show up without hesitation, and pour their hearts into keeping Dorset's communities safe.
We're always looking for dedicated people to join our team. Whether you want to be on the ground, in the air, behind a screen, or supporting from the sidelines — there's a place for you at Dorset Search and Rescue.
INCIDENT CONTROL UNIT
ICU-1 and ICU-2 are identical twins. Each mobile command centre supports real-time coordination on the ground, using advanced mapping, communications and tracking tools to run effective, large-scale searches anywhere across the capital.
INCIDENT CONTROL UNIT
ICU-1 and ICU-2 are identical twins. Each mobile command centre supports real-time coordination on the ground, using advanced mapping, communications and tracking tools to run effective, large-scale searches anywhere across the capital.
INCIDENT CONTROL UNIT
ICU-1 and ICU-2 are identical twins. Each mobile command centre supports real-time coordination on the ground, using advanced mapping, communications and tracking tools to run effective, large-scale searches anywhere across the capital.