Emergency services
The latest news about the emergency services, covering the police, ambulance, fire, coastguard and RNLI services in Swanage and Purbeck.
Purbeck Police appeal after damage to protected land in Swanage Following reports of criminal damage to protected land in Swanage, the police are asking for anyone with information to come forward. 
Sent back to Coventry – Police fine Durdle Door visitors Purbeck Police has issued penalty notices to a group that travelled from Coventry to visit Lulworth in Dorset, in breach of current Covid legislation. 
Horse injured and rider thrown off in dog attack in Purbeck Dorset Police are appealing for information after a dog attacked a horse in Purbeck, leading to its rider to be thrown off. 
Swanage Coastguard station officer recognised in New Years Honours Ian Brown has been awarded the British Empire Medal after 30 years of volunteering as part of the Swanage Coastguard Rescue team. 
Dorset Police are asking residents to help find owner of memorial stones The two memorial-style stones, that are believed to have been stolen, were discovered in a property in Bournemouth, not far from Swanage. 
Cyclist knocked off bike by pick-up truck near Wool A man on his bike was hospitalised following a collision with a trailer being towed by a truck that failed to stop. 
Coastguard helicopter and Swanage RNLI investigate mysterious drifting boat Swanage Lifeboat was deployed alongside a coastguard helicopter to investigate a boat that appeared to have no one on board. 
Temporary reprieve granted for Purbeck Paramedic Car The South Western Ambulance Service Trust has confirmed that it won’t scrap the Purbeck Paramedic Car without first consulting with local organisations and residents. 
Chance to support Swanage RNLI crew taking part in Reindeer Run Swanage lifeboat team members are ‘dashing through the snow’ this Christmas to raise money to help save lives at sea. 
Tipper truck stolen from Langton Matravers Dorset Police are appealing for help after the theft of a tipper truck from Langton Matravers, near Swanage. 
Cause of huge bin lorry fire at Dorset Council depot revealed A fire that ravaged a bin lorry depot and was tackled by fire crews from across Dorset, including Swanage, was most likely started by an electrical fault, although a lightning ... 
Dorset Police to reveal what goes on in their ops room To give residents an insight into the workings of Dorset Police, the force is going to share details of the calls they receive in real time over a 12 hour ... 
Surge in Swanage lifeboat calls during summer following lockdown The RNLI has released data showing that Swanage Lifeboat Station had to cope with a 69 percent increase in callouts over the summer in 2020 compared to 2019. 
Man dangerously speeding on Wareham’s River Frome, dealt with under new law A 30 year old man from Hertfordshire, causing danger to other water users in a motor boat has received a community resolution order. 
Swanage Fire crew help tackle major blaze destroying bin lorries A huge fire destroying around 15 bin lorries at Dorset Council’s Chickerell depot means bin collections suspended in Weymouth - SEE VIDEO. 
Witness appeal after man in balaclava in Swanage spotted “rubbing his crotch” Detectives investigating a suspicious incident in the area of Taunton Road are appealing for anyone with information to come forward. 
Swanage skatepark targeted by “mindless scrawling” says police Purbeck Police are appealing for information after the equipment at the skatepark in King George’s playing fields was daubed with paint. 
Purbeck Police help two homeless men in Swanage Following reports of two people sleeping rough along Swanage seafront, Purbeck Police have assisted them to find appropriate help. 
Swanage lifeboat rushes to assist with search for missing man A Swanage lifeboat crew helped in the search for a missing man who was found safe at Ballard Point. 
Brave helicopter rescue of climber precariously stuck on cliff at Lulworth A man who had climbed some 70ft up a cliff at Stair Hole in Lulworth and had become stuck, triggered a large-scale emergency response - SEE VIDEO. 
Man swimming in Studland Bay dies after getting into difficulty Swanage Coastguard team were called to reports of two swimmers in trouble at Studland, along with Poole Lifeboat crew. 
Woman slips and breaks leg at Peveril Point Volunteers from Swanage’s National Coastwatch Institute were quick to come to the assistance of a woman who had slipped and fallen while out walking. 
Swanage firefighters among dozens called to help deal with thatched house blaze Firefighters from Swanage were mobilised to assist as a house fire saw crews from all over Dorset called to action. 
Back for the weekend – Swanage’s inshore lifeboat returns home after repairs RNLI Swanage’s inshore lifeboat can now take to the seas once again after being repaired, following a busy summer. 
Swanage man dies following a road traffic collision in High Street Dorset police are appealing for witnesses to come forward following a fatal road traffic incident in the High Street outside the Snack Bar in Swanage. 
Purbeck Police looking for owner of “interesting plants” An investigation is underway after several suspected illicit plants were discovered in the Wareham area. 
Lifeboat crew called to aid fishing boat after engine fails Poole’s lifeboat crew rushed out to sea to help a fishing boat in distress at Studland. 
Fire crews called as two cars on fire in Lulworth Two fire engines were sent to the car park at Lulworth Cove as reports came in of two vehicles ablaze. 
Nine arrested after crackdown on drug gangs in Dorset A police operation to disrupt ‘county lines’ drug gangs in Dorset has led to arrests and the seizure of illegal drugs, cash and a Jaguar car. 
How should new Covid rules be policed in Dorset? Views sought from residents The Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset has launched a survey asking how Dorset Police should enforce the new ‘Rule of 6’. 
Destroyed fishing boat found drifting along Bournemouth coastline Following the Swanage RNLI rescue of a fisherman just off Anvil Point, his sunk fishing boat has now been found, revealing the dramatic damage - SEE PHOTOS. 
Fisherman saved after his trawler sinks without trace off Anvil Point Swanage Lifeboat crew were able to rescue a fisherman, thanks to a lifejacket that “played a big part in saving his life.” 
Three callouts for Swanage RNLI in 24 hours as boats battle spring tides A busy start to the weekend for the Swanage Lifeboat crew as they went to the rescue of two yachts and a capsized dinghy in three separate incidents. 
Swanage RNLI crew feature in new TV series of Saving Lives at Sea With real life rescue footage captured on their helmet cameras, the Swanage Lifeboat crew feature in the first episode of the TV programme - WATCH SNEAK PREVIEW OF RESCUE VIDEO. Buoy trouble means early start for Swanage Lifeboat crew Swanage RNLI volunteers were woken by their pagers at 4 am this morning to help a yacht that had got into difficulty in the English Channel. 
Last day for RNLI lifeguards on Swanage Beach as kids go back to school As the RNLI lifeguards stop patrolling Swanage Beach for the year, beachgoers are being urged to take extra care. 
Yacht stuck to sea bed is freed by Swanage Lifeboat crew After a busy August for Swanage Lifeboat Station, the first day of September brought no respite as the crew went to the urgent assistance of a yacht. 
Injured coasteering woman says she can’t thank Swanage Lifeboat crew enough! The woman who was rescued from Dancing Ledge after injuring herself coasteering says she’s so grateful to her rescuers, that she’s making a donation to the RNLI - WATCH VIDEO. 
Swanage Lifeboat crew rescues woman injured while coasteering at Dancing Ledge A young woman who was left in considerable pain after being injured while coasteering at Dancing Ledge has been rescued by Swanage Lifeboat crew. 
Increase in anti-social behaviour like wild camping as Dorset reaches “full capacity” Dorset Police is reporting enormous demand on emergency services, as more people visit the region, with environmental anti-social behaviour up 63 percent. 
Swanage Lifeboat launches during Storm Francis to rescue mother and children Lifeboat crew go to the rescue of a family on paddleboards and also investigate a crew-less boat adrift at sea, amid rough conditions. 
Race is on for Dorset teenager to raise £3.5k for air ambulance before school starts Inspired by the emergency services rescue last May at Durdle Door, 14 year old Ben has been sleeping in an air raid shelter to raise funds. 
New lifeboat operations manager for Swanage Swanage Lifeboat Station has announced the appointment of its new lifeboat operations manager, Rob Pullman, following the retirement of Neil Hardy after 30 years of service. 
Three deaths on Dorset roads in two crashes Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is urging all drivers to take care when out on the roads, after three people lost their lives locally this week. 
Injured girl rescued on stretcher from near Durdle Door Lulworth Coastguard helped paramedics rescue a girl with a suspected dislocated hip from the steep Man O’War steps, close to Durdle Door in Dorset. 
Good news in Swanage Lifeboat Week as cliff fall woman recovers A 65 year old woman, who accidentally fell 60 feet from Old Harry Rocks is to make a good recovery, following a swift rescue. 
Two women injured as speed boat flips over in Studland Bay Emergency services rushed to the rescue, after a speed boat flipped over, leaving a woman with suspected spinal injuries and another with a facial injury. 
Parked car blocks vital emergency access to Studland beach Swanage Coastguard, on one of the busiest weekends of the year so far, found a car parked across an emergency gate at Middle Beach 
Brand new Dorset Police marine boat is unveiled on film Dorset Police has just launched its new marine boat, which will patrol the sea around Swanage and the rest of the Dorset coastline - WATCH FILM. 
12 year old boy robbed in Swanage Dorset Police has issued CCTV footage of two men, who are suspected of picking up the child by the waist and stealing his hoverboard. 
Swanage man jailed after dangerously driving at high speed After a high speed police car pursuit from Corfe Castle to West Parley, a 25 year old has been jailed for eight months - WATCH POLICE VIDEO. 
Criminal damage caused to car in Studland Police officers investigating damage to a car parked along Ferry Road in Studland are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward. 
Swanage Lifeboat crew rescue sailor with severed finger While on their way to help a grounded yacht, the Swanage Lifeboat crew received a Mayday call from a skipper who had had a nasty accident. 
Man sought by police after dog bites woman Police have issued an image of a man they would like to speak to, following a report of a dog bite incident in Swanage. 
Two people found unresponsive in car at Durlston The road to Durlston Country Park was closed off this morning after emergency services were mobilised to investigate an incident in the car park. 
Woman falls from cliff top at Old Harry Rescue teams rushed to a woman in her 60s, who fell an estimated 100 foot from the top of the Old Harry Rocks. 
Night time rescue of yacht by Swanage RNLI A yacht with no power and taking on water was towed back to Poole after a six hour rescue by the Swanage Lifeboat crew. 
London swimming group “surprised” by Durdle Door current Coastguard and RNLI crews were called out to several incidents including to a group of 15 swimmers from London, after some got into difficulty. 
Hot summer’s day is no holiday for emergency services Two boat rescues and several other incidents kept the Swanage volunteer crews busy, as people enjoyed the good weather. 
Trapped horse rescued by fire crew Proving that fire crews can tackle more than barbecues, Wareham Fire Station freed a trapped horse at Creech Grange near Corfe Castle. Man arrested in connection with Durlston sexual assault Dorset Police say that detectives investigating a reported sexual assault in Durlston Country Park in Swanage, have arrested a man. 
Man wanted to assist police with enquiries into sexual assault at Durlston Police investigating a sexual assault in Durlston Country Park, have issued a photograph of a man that they would like to speak to. 
Drink driver arrested after car smash in Swanage A man has been arrested after crashing his car into a bollard in Cow Lane in Swanage. 
Always know where your kids are, warns Purbeck Police Purbeck Police is warning parents of the dangers of not knowing where their children are, after four teenagers were spotted on a roof in Swanage. 
“Be prepared” says Swanage Coastguard after speedboat rescue The crew of a speedboat were reminded by Swanage Coastguard not to go out to sea without proper equipment after RNLI rescue. More ‘999’ calls on ‘Super Saturday’ but “largely peaceful” Two serious road incidents at the weekend but Dorset Police says the reopening of the hospitality industry was mainly uneventful. 
Inflatables drifting out to sea with kids, spark emergency call Three lifeboats, Swanage Coastguard and a helicopter were called out to rescue two inflatable dinghies blown out to sea off the Studland coast. 
Surge in visitors anticipated by Dorset Police, as tourism restarts Chief Constable for Dorset Police is asking everyone to be respectful and act responsibly as tourism reopens this weekend. 
Codebreaking of crime network leads to Dorset drug arrests The cracking of an international secret communication network has led to the arrest of alleged drug dealers in Dorset. 
Swanage Lifeboat rescues paddle boarders being swept out to sea Struggling against an offshore breeze and an outgoing tide, a group of paddle boarders had to be rescued just off Old Harry Rocks. 
Swanage Fire crew called to tackle heath fire near Wool Eight fire engines including one from Swanage Fire Station were needed to bring a blaze on Winfrith Heath near Wool, under control. 
Motorist left deflated in desperation for Studland parking space In a crazy attempt to park near the beach, this car ended up with flat tyres and an expensive repair bill! 
Studland becomes beach ‘overflow’ as Bournemouth declared a major incident Beach-goers who couldn’t find space in Bournemouth, flocked to Studland, blocking Ferry Road and some using ferry property as a toilet. 
Search for missing swimmer at Durdle Door over, as body is found A body of a man has been found, following the search for a swimmer who went missing near Durdle Door. 
Search continues for missing swimmer at Durdle Door The coastguard is still looking for a man in his 20's from London, who went missing while swimming near Durdle Door. UPDATE: SEARCH CALLED OFF AFTER A BODY FOUND. 
RNLI rescue a yacht pinned against Sandbanks Ferry The RNLI releases footage of its rescue of a yacht wedged against the front of the Sandbanks Ferry - WATCH VIDEO 
The “vast scar” of Wareham Forest fire revealed Drone pictures of scorched heathland in Wareham Forest have been released to warn of the extensive damage that can be caused by disposable barbecues. 
RNLI lifeguards back in Swanage for the summer It looked as if plans for RNLI lifeguards to patrol Swanage this year had been scuppered by the coronavirus pandemic but now they’re back on the beach this weekend. “Appalling” mess left by Studland campers The rubbish dumped by people camping overnight in Studland is “appalling and simply not acceptable” says Purbeck Police. 
Swanage Coastguard says don’t get into places you can’t get out of! More first time climbers are attempting tricky cliff climbs along our coastline due to the closure of indoor climbing walls says Swanage Coastguard. Climber rescued overnight from cliffs near Anvil Point Swanage and St Alban’s Coastguard teams and both Swanage lifeboats rescued a climber in the middle of the night, after she got stuck on the Boulder Ruckle cliff face. 
Fire crews stay overnight as Wareham Forest fire refuses to be extinguished A further blaze at Wareham Forest, triggered by underground burning has brought the Swanage Fire crew back to the scene of the fire that destroyed 220 hectares. 
Despite warnings against bonfires, fire crew deals with farmyard blaze Last night, Swanage Fire Station was called to put out a large bonfire that had spread to rubbish on a farm near Corfe Castle. 
New booking system for Durdle Door and fines for illegal parking To prevent a repeat of last weekend’s shocking scenes at Durdle Door of overcrowding, tombstoning and antisocial behavior, a new approach has been agreed. 
Two people in hospital major trauma unit after Durdle Door jump Three rescue helicopters involved, after four jump off arch, encouraged by beach-goers, leaving two with major injuries - SEE VIDEO AND REPORT. 
Durdle Door arch jumpers injured, watched by packed beach Durdle Door beach evacuated as two rescue helicopters went to aid several people with serious injuries, who’d jumped 60 metres off the arch into the sea - SEE RESCUE PHOTOS. 
Increased reports of overnighting in camper vans says Dorset Police With sunny weather forecast for the weekend, the Chief Constable for Dorset, reminds that overnight stays in camper vans, motorhomes and second homes are still not allowed. 
First green shoots of recovery after fire “There is always hope” says Wareham Fire Station as it posts a photo of the first green shoots appearing after the Wareham Forest fire. 
RNLI is in an “impossible situation” writes chief exec Car showrooms given more time to prepare than lifeboat crews for easing of restrictions, says RNLI’s chief executive in a strongly-worded open letter - READ THE FULL TEXT. 
Coastguard helicopter lands at Dancing Ledge to rescue woman Dancing Ledge, near Swanage, was evacuated to allow Rescue Helicopter 175 to land, so it could airlift a woman to hospital. 
Powerful video hits home the dangers of disposable barbecues Wareham Fire Station has released a heartbreaking video, detailing the scale of destruction of Wareham Forest, caused by this week’s fire. 
Children led into Tilly Whim caves to camp overnight Swanage Coastguard has prevented a group from staying overnight in the dangerous Tilly Whim caves area at Durlston. 
Police appeal for witnesses to Swanage Co-op trolley incident Reports of a woman, allegedly drunk, who pushed a man in a shopping trolley round the Co-op car park and damaged a car, are being investigated. 
Beach safety campaign launched as Swanage RNLI rescue jet skier and anglers With Swanage Bay expected to get busier, the RNLI and HM Coastguard are warning that with no lifeguards, safety advice needs to be heeded. 
Barbecue or camp fire likely cause of Wareham Forest fire Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue says it believes that the fire at Wareham Forest was caused by people having a barbecue or campfire. 
Wildlife rescued as huge areas of Wareham Forest are scorched The true extent of the devastation of Wareham Forest fire is seen, as wildlife is rescued and Swanage Fire crew play a central role - SEE VIDEO AND PHOTOS 
Wareham Forest fire declared major incident More than 150 fire fighters, including the crew from Swanage, have been called to tackle the fire at Wareham Forest - SEE VIDEO AND PHOTOS. 
Swanage could lose ambulance car in June With pressure on funding, the South West Ambulance Service is expected to continue with its plan to withdraw the Swanage-based Purbeck Ambulance Car. 
More government clarity required says RNLI The RNLI says it's currently “seeking further clarity” about the easing of lockdown measures, to keep our coast a safe place to visit. 
Overnight campers on visit to Studland fined Swanage Fire crew, responding to reports of a fire at Shell Bay Beach, arrived this morning to discover a family camping on the beach. 
Reports of kayaker in distress sparks emergency response RNLI and police alerted to a kayaker upside down and drifting at the mouth of Poole Harbour, just off Shell Bay in Studland. 
Swanage Lifeboat rescues tourists, during clap for key workers While Swanage residents were preparing to clap at 8 pm, the lifeboat crew rescued two people from Slough who had been cut off by the tide at Old Harry. 
Please look out for stolen dog asks Dorset Police An appeal is being launched across the county for any information or possible sightings of a chocolate cocker spaniel. 
Travelling 100s of miles to see the sea, not tolerated says Dorset’s Chief Constable Dorset Police has actually issued over double the number of fixed penalty notices for lockdown breaches, than previously reported. 
Mayday, mayday…RNLI appeals to its Swanage supporters As the RNLI launches its annual Mayday fundraiser, Swanage lifeboat crew is urging us to stay at home and join in the fun to raise cash. 
Swanage crew called to “extremely careless” heath fire Fire crews from around Dorset including Swanage, have been tackling an extensive heath blaze caused by a disposable barbecue - SEE PHOTOS. 
Do not visit Dorset, as over a 100 police fines issued This weekend, police officers will be patrolling Purbeck to prevent non-essential travel to beauty spots and can fine those who don't comply. 
23 fixed penalty notices issued for lock down violation in Dorset Dorset Police have confirmed they’ve issued 23 fixed penalty notices so far, since the introduction of the law to prevent the spread of coronavirus. 
Dolphins join in Swanage Lifeboat rescue of fishing vessel With a fishing vessel drifting out at sea, the Swanage Lifeboat raced to its aid and was then joined by a pod of dolphins - see video. 
“It’s not being responsible” say police as Ferry Road becomes car park Purbeck Police have been issuing warnings to motorists that have driven to Studland, while in Lulworth, they were handing out fines. Good Friday assault in Swanage A man has been arrested for assault in Swanage, after Purbeck Police was alerted to the incident by local residents. 
Clap for our community! Swanage residents were out on the streets last night, alongside firefighters, clapping in support of key workers and NHS staff. 
Police night patrol as Swanage residents fear bank holiday visitors Dorset Police is telling people not to travel as ‘Dorset is closed’ this Easter, to prevent the spread of coronavirus. ‘Stay at home’ message getting through say Purbeck Police Most tourists who were planning to visit Swanage for Easter, have stayed at home to prevent the spread of coronavirus. 
Swanage Coastguard tells climbers not to stretch emergency services Following reports of people climbing along the Jurassic Coast, Swanage Coastguard warns people must stay at home. 
Police stopping tourists driving into Swanage for weekend Purbeck Police are actively stopping motorists and turning them round, if they haven’t got a good reason to travel into Swanage. 
Swanage’s Minor Injuries Unit now only available by appointment In response to the coronavirus crisis, the Minor Injuries Unit at Swanage Community Hospital will no longer allow people to just turn up. 
Armed police in Swanage after reports of man with gun A 43 year-old man, who was in the Red Lion pub, has been arrested after reports that he had a gun. 
Climber recovering after rescue at Anvil Point A man who got stuck on a cliff face is now recovering after being rescued by the Swanage Coastguard. 
Wareham woman in court after Valley Road car crash A 28 year-old woman from Wareham, has been charged with driving while her alcohol level was above the legal limit. 
TV footage of Swanage Lifeboat crew to be broadcast on the BBC Swanage RNLI crew are to be on telly again as part of the BBC TV series ‘Saving Lives at Sea’. 
Man seriously injured in Peveril Point cliff fall A 71 year old man has suffered a serious head injury after falling about 12 metres from the cliff at Peveril Point in Swanage. 
Swanage Coastguard wins Dorset best team of the year award The ‘Jean Dean Memorial Award’ for the best coastguard team in Dorset has been presented to Swanage Coastguard.