With the good weather tempting lots of people out on the water, Swanage Lifeboat and the Coastguard crews were called out to two separate boat rescues and several other incidents.
The first call out yesterday, Saturday 18th July 2020 was to a capsized sailing dinghy in the sea just off Peveril, which was attended by the Swanage inshore lifeboat (ILB).
The solo sailor was in the water and unable to get back in the boat. Once rescued, the sailor was taken safely back to shore by a passing vessel. While this was happening the Swanage Lifeboat Station got another call to help a broken down boat with five people on board.
All casualties were recovered safe and well
This time the Shannon all-weather lifeboat (ALB) launched to attend to the second incident of the broken down boat off Ballard Point. All casualties were recovered safe and well and both the boat were towed back to the shore to prevent them becoming shipping hazards.
Meanwhile, Swanage Coastguard who had been monitoring those incidents got another call, this time over towards Poole Harbour. The coastguard reported:
“Another call came in reporting an adult and two children drifting towards the chain ferry in an inflatable kayak. The patrol was tasked along with the lifeboat to the harbour entrance. Thankfully all on the kayak made it ashore but the patrol went to check no medical assistance was required.
“The patrol then found a barbecue hidden in a dry, wooded area (in Studland) and due to the high fire risk requested colleagues from Swanage Fire service. Despite plenty of signage banning barbecues, people are ignoring the risks.”
“No barbecues on any of our beaches at present due to the fire risks”
Swanage Fire Station crew added:
“As you can see from the photos, the barbecue was in a bit of a silly place!”
In addition, Swanage Coastguard also helped treat a dehydrated cyclist, stopped a man risking his life by swimming after a drifting inflatable kayak at the mouth of Poole Harbour and then in the seventh incident of the day for the patrol, they had to put out a gas barbecue.
Swanage Lifeboat Station said:
“It was a busy afternoon for the volunteer crew!”
Swanage Coastguard added:
“Sadly despite signage saying no barbecues, people are still having them and putting the area at risk. Please no barbecues on any of our beaches at present due to the fire risks and do not use inflatables in strong offshore winds.”
