A capsized kayaker was rescued by Swanage RNLI after getting into difficulties near Dancing Ledge along the Purbeck Coast in Dorset.
Both lifeboats launched on Monday 1st May 2023 at 3.17 pm after it was reported that the kayaker had suffered a suspected dislocated shoulder as they had tried to recover from capsizing.
The Swanage inshore lifeboat was launched as it was easier to reach a kayaker with a smaller boat
“The injured kayaker was in a lot of pain”
Fortunately the kayaker was part of a group of six, who had been able to call for help. The lifeboats were soon on the scene with the group.
Swanage Lifeboat station reported:
“The injured kayaker was in a lot of pain, so Entonox was administered before they were carefully lifted out of their kayak and on to the all weather lifeboat.
“Once on the lifeboat, the casualty was given a full assessment and their kayak was lifted aboard. The rest of the kayakers were all fine so they were left to return to Swanage under their own power.”
The Swanage inshore lifeboat launched alongside the larger Swanage all weather lifeboat
Nearest available ambulance was in Poole
An ambulance was requested and the lifeboats returned to Swanage. The kayak was off-loaded while the crew waited for an update on where to meet an ambulance.
However, with the news that the nearest available ambulance was in Poole, one of the lifeboats took the injured person to the landing stage at the entrance to Poole Harbour where they were met by ambulance staff.
The all weather lifeboat is more suitable for getting casualties back to shore quickly
