The RNLI has released a video of the rescue of a paddle boarder near Old Harry Rocks, warning of “deceptive weather” conditions.
Poole’s lifeboat was launched at 2.30 pm on Wednesday 23rd November 2022 following numerous phone calls to 999 from concerned members of the public, who had seen the paddle boarder being blown out to sea.
The paddle boarder climbed into the lifeboat
Conditions were tricky
The lifeboat was soon in Studland Bay and the volunteer crew spotted the woman on a paddle board 1.2 miles from where she had started off.
The RNLI said that the paddleboarder was well prepared and fully kitted out with a means of calling for help, however conditions were tricky away from the shelter of the land. The wind was gusting westerly force 4 to 5.
The woman who was not injured, climbed into the lifeboat and was brought safely back to Knoll Beach, along with her paddleboard.
The crew take care of the paddle board
“Easy mistake to make with deceptive weather”
Volunteer helm from Poole Lifeboat Station, Steve Porter said:
“It was quite an easy mistake to make with deceptive weather, the cliffs and land were shielding the bay, but once you were clear of that shelter, conditions were ‘quite’ choppy.
“Thank you to the diligent members of the public, for calling their concerns in and we would reiterate that if you find yourself in an emergency or spot someone else in trouble, you should call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.”
Poole RNLI was able to hand the paddle boarder over into the care of Swanage Coastguard, waiting on Knoll Beach in Studland
“Struggling in a strong offshore wind”
Volunteers from Swanage Coastguard were waiting on Knoll Beach for the paddle boarder and were on hand to help.
Swanage Coastguard reported:
“Coastguard teams and a lifeboat were tasked to Knoll Beach after several 999 calls were received reporting a paddle boarder in trouble.
“Poole RNLI lifeboat was tasked and guided the lifeboat to the paddle board who was struggling in a strong offshore wind. The lifeboat crew brought the person safely ashore at Studland to the waiting Coastguard teams.”
