Kayaker in Difficulty at Studland Beach

Saturday's patrol were at Knoll Beach when they noticed a kayaker in difficulty approx 100 metres offshore.  The individual had fallen off the sit-on kayak and was struggling to get back on board.  He'd also lost his paddle.

After a couple of attempts to get back on,the patrol immediately notified the National Maritime Operations Centre who paged the Swanage Inshore Lifeboat.  By the time the kayaker realised he was in danger and waved for help, the emergency response was already swinging into action.  The vehicle's blue lights were used to alert the casualty that he'd been spotted and that help was on its way.

The Coastguard team donned dry suits and called for back-up from the rest of the team in preparation for a water rescue.

When it was safe to do so, and when the kayaker was within range, Coastguard Steve waded out and rescued the kayaker and his vessel and brought them back to the beach and from there to the National Trust's First Aid room to recover and be checked over.

The kayak was brand new and it was the first time that the individual had been out.  Although he had taken the wise precaution of wearing a dry suit, he was mistakenly under the impression that this would act as a buoyancy aid - which it won't! 
For any beginner there's a whole host of safety advice , videos etc on the internet, such as this site here.  We'd recommend anyone to be sure what you are getting into.

Once the kayaker was warmed up and over the shock of what had happened, the team stood down and returned to base to clean down the kit.

Search and Rescue......and More

The team was tasked again on Friday to a kayaker who'd capsized as she tried to cross the tide race at Peveril Ledge, heading out of the bay towards Durlston. The lady was unable to get back on board the kayak in the turbulent water and was washed onto the rocks at the base of Peveril Point.

The team was on scene within minutes of being paged, but as they approached the location it became apparent that the lady had been pulled from the water by some passers by - well done and thanks to the couple in a canoe and a couple out walking their dogs. The team was asked to stand down as the lady was safely ashore but instead chose to carry on, find her and check her welfare.

On arrival the lady was shaken from the events that had just unfolded, so the team calmed her down and checked that she was OK.  Safety advice was given and a discussion took place about planning routes, informing the Coastguard when on passage, flares and radios.  For the second time in as many days, the casualty was surprised that there were no signs warning her of the dangers of strong tides at that location.  The team gently pointed out the Ledge Buoy marking the end of the rocks and the line of breaking white water out to it and said that to someone familiar with seas that ought to be a warning sign in itself.

Once the lady was happy to continue, it was agreed that she'd be better off staying in the bay and the team helped move the kayak and launch it in a safer location.  A route was agreed along the shore, under the pier and back into the bay and accompanied by the couple in the kayak, she set off.

The team monitored her from the Coastguard Rescue Vehicle and once the lady had reached the main beach the team once again checked for her welfare before returning to base.

As HM Coastguard Rescue Service, we are there for search and rescue - indeed we are classed as a Category 1 Responder.  However, on occasions we do more than that, such as today.  Whilst a member of public rescued the casualty (ahead of the lifeboat which was also called), the team reassured the casualty, cared for her welfare and, by gentle safety advice, has hopefully avoided her having a repeat incident.

So it isn't all search and rescue.  Sometimes, its advice, guidance and prevention too.

Out on the Water? Be Prepared

These two kayaks were recovered by Swanage's inshore lifeboat (ILB) yesterday and towed back to Swanage after their owners got into difficulty in choppy seas off Studland. 

 

What had seemed calm waters in the confines of the bay were suddenly very different in the shallower waters close to Old Harry and before long the kayakers were struggling in the conditions.  They had no VHF radio and no mobile phone (phones aren't ideal at sea because of limited reception, but one in a sealed bag is better than nothing) and they were fortunate that someone on the cliff had seen their calls for help.  The pair were dressed in inadequate clothing and once wet, soon got cold with the keen wind.  Finally, they wore no lifejackets or buoyancy aids.

On arrival at Swanage, the couple were taken into the care of the Coastguard team where they were warmed up and offered some safety advice, before being returned to their vehicle to dry off and reflect how differently their afternoon could have ended up.

The RNLI has produced a handy safety guide for kayakers - we suggest you download and read it if you own a kayak or have the use of one. Get your copy here: RNLI Kayak Safety Guide.

And always consider the following

•             CARRY a communication device in an easily accessible waterproof pocket/pouch
•             WEAR proper kit to keep you warm and afloat in the water
•             CARRY spare clothing, food and drink in a dry bag
•             CHECK the weather and water conditions before heading out
•             WEAR a buoyancy aid or lifejacket
•             CARRY on your person distress flares
•             TELL a responsible shore contact where you are going and when you will return.

Enjoy the water and keep safe!

 

#999Coastguard

Le Kayak

Earlier in the week, we told you about some snacks that one of the team was promoting. 

Well now it seems he has gone one stage further and set up his own canoe hire business, as discovered by our roving reporter on holiday in France.

 

You don't have to go to France to get out on the water this Bank Holiday weekend, with kayaks, row boats and paddle boards available for hire locally in Swanage, Studland and Wareham.  Take care out on the water, check the tides before you go, wear your lifejackets and make sure you have got some working communication - VHF radios are far better at sea than mobile phones!

#999Coastguard

Portland Coastguard (MRCC) and the Kayakers

The Dorset Echo report on the kayakers; again this incident reinforces how important local MRCCs are to your Coastguard service:-


Coastguard watch manager Ros Evans told the Dorset Echo: “Knowledge of the local area is very important but it’s also having that awareness of the area.We all live locally and from the minute we leave our homes we know what the wind is doing and what the tides and Race are doing.”
She added: “With our local knowledge we know which is the most appropriate lifeboat to use and how to task the resources.
“We know which coastguards live nearest the hospital to go and organise the helicopter landing site.
All this can be taught but it takes years before it becomes an instinct.”

She said: “They were extremely lucky. We are really glad they are all right.


If you have views about the reorganisation of MRCC's in the UK please take a look at the Consultation document on the right hand side of this blog.

Cold Beer

Three chaps went sea fishing in kayaks last night;..... nothing wrong with this.

Portland Coastguard were called at 9:43 by a concerned guest at The Grand Hotel who had seen three kayaks who he considered might be in distress; Portland dispatched the Swanage Team to investigate and provide assistance if necessary.

After making contact with the kayaks (not canoes!) it was apparent that they had earlier experienced some minor difficulties. One chap had tipped over and lost his fishing rods and some cans of beer. They had simply been trying to recover these. The chaps were all very polite and went home in good humour minus 5 cans of 'quality' Australian lager- (otherwise know by our antipodean friends as ‘tinnies’).

This morning the Swanage Beach Wardens have recovered said cans of beer, now suitably chilled, and returned them to their rightful owner. Words of advice were offered by one of the team as to whether there might be better ways to chill their beer.

Moral of the story, keep yourself safe at sea, and enjoy a cold beer when you return to shore. Oh and if you find the rods please drop them off at the Station and we’ll return them also.

Thanks for assistance from Ocean Bay Restaurant.

Kayak V Canoe

Right this one’s for the boss. The difference between a Kayak and a Canoe.

I won’t go into long complicated descriptions, it’ll only confuse him. See if you can spot the difference readers:-

Above :-A Canoe

Below :- A Kayak

See its easy, peasy.



And this is a ........

Chief Brody: “You're gonna need a bigger boat ...” moment

http://www.thomaspeschak.com/

Kayak Patrol

It was a sunny evening last night so I went for a stroll ....well actually I went for a kayak accross the bay.

I would go out more often but it's bit of a pain getting these things to the beach, they are actually quiet heavy and awkward to move, especially with all the other equipment, ....paddle, buoyancy aid, radio, spray top, throw rope, etc etc. If only someone in the team could design something to make life a bit easier.......cue Special Agent Bentham who we believe is working on a prototype launching trolley.

What's the round black bit at the front of the kayak?? Well it's a 'dry hatch' where you put stuff that you want to keep dry, the only problem with this one is that it leaks!!

Happy Customers

One of the best things about "Coastguarding" is when you get happy smiling faces and a thankyou for your efforts.....a good job well done.

These two kayakers had gone for a paddle across the Peveril tide race, as time went on they turned around and started to paddle back however the current was a little strong so they did the right thing......stopped, and paddled safely towards the nearest land so they could carry their craft over the headland.

The patrol had been told about their situation by the watch keeper in the NCI lookout, so off they went to assist and safely escort the two back to the station. The two had'nt even realised they had been "watched"and were very pleased with the help when we arranged to help collect their car and offer them a warm drink.....now thats service.