Longest Day

Carnival day in Swanage turned out to be a very long day for the team, some doing 12 hours.

Starting at a local cafe for a team briefing/breakfast, it was back to the station to check the kit and prepare for the day. Various team members took up positions around the town along with their families so they could balance family life with Coastguard duties.

It wasn't long before a few minor incidents started, Gareth covering the north end of the beach stepped in to stop 3 small children being blown out to sea on an inflatable. Ian and Allan became aware via the Police that two small children were missing after the Red Arrows and were joined by others before the children were found by their parents.

The procession saw the St Albans team join us along with Allan the Sector Manager, half way round Coastguard 104 from Lee on Solent carried out a fabulously fly past along the sea front, bringing the procession to a halt whilst everyone waved.

This year we got to the library before being called to a drifting dinghy at Peveril. The lifeboat operations manager Neil Hardy had this one sorted as we arrived so we soon were back.

So with the crowds leaving it was back to the station to put the kit away but then suddenly an urgent call to attend a female with a serious head injury. We were joined by Kimmeridge Ian on this incident which was beneficial with his medical skills. Rescue 106 airlifted the female to Southampton hospital due to the injuries.

So thats Swanage, St Albans and Kimmeridge Coastguards, Sector Manager, Portland Coastguard Rescue Coordination Centre, Coastguard helicopters 104 and 106. Dorset Police, South Western Ambulance, Lifeboat Operations Manager just to mention a few.

Oh, and well done to the Carnival Committee and Swanage residents who all helped make the Swanage Carnival Day really special.

Location:Longest Day