Paddleboarding

Our 1st incident of the year involved two paddleboarders crossing the entrance of Poole harbour. This form of water sport is gaining a popular following, however there is a difference between the picture above (warm conditions) and what we saw on sunday.

The MCA's safety campaign is about being prepared.............. so in the case of the paddleboarders

Checking weather and tides

Correct clothing

Safety equipment, a woolly hat is not safety equipment.

Help us to help you....be prepared

The New Zealand Connection

Very sad news last night that the "Rena" split into two. The authorities in New Zealand have been working very hard to try and remove the cargo in scene very similar to the Napoli before the weather beat them and you see the results.

One of our new team members is just returning from staying no further than a few miles away from this so I'm sure he will have a few tales when he arrives home.

Slipwatch

Tide out this week so a view from a little further back......

I was also caught by one of our readers coming back from taking the picture!

What's been going on......?

It been a little busy up at the station over the last week.....

The main task has been the annual paperwork clearance, followed by bringing up to date all the teams record (CG13's).

Further interviews for the final team position were carried out and I'm pleased to say that in the coming weeks we shall be introducing you to the new team members.

We had some sad news....... Paul Brown who this week reached 20 years of service decided to step down from the team. Paul was very unique as he could say that he was a true volunteer as he would never take any payment from the Coastguard.
Many year's ago the team were called to a cliff injured at the base of cliffs at Anvil Point. I was treating the male and expecting the helicopter to arrive but suddenly told it had been diverted to another incident in the channel. The next thing I knew Paul was along side me with the stretcher and we were both trying to work out how to get this climber safely back to the top of the cliff. Just then out of no where the Royal Navy helicopter turned up and airlifted the male, Paul and I were never so relieved.
On behalf of the team we would like to thank Paul for his years of service and we know he will be staying in touch.

Give Blood - Do Something Amazing......

Brian's Shed

Coastguard Papa (Also known as Brian) is on IRT with me today.

I'm told that this morning he is fixing his shed roof that blew off in the gales earlier this week. In light of this knowledge we have put the rescue helicopter and 'shed extraction team' on full alert should things go pear shaped.

A shed load of work needed.

If you do hear the tell tale scream of a grown man falling through a shed roof, don't worry we have it covered.

Note to self:- Imagine how bad I'll feel if he does actually fall through the roof!

Don't drown.......

Yesterday Coastguards dealt with an incident which could have ending in tragedy had the person not been wearing his life jacket.

It appears the person was rowing his dinghy either from or to his yacht in Portsmouth and due to the weather conditions ended up on a sandbank and then airlifted to hospital by coastguard helicopter.

Weather conditions at the time were reported gusting up to Hurricane force 12 and going out in any boat let alone a dinghy would be questionable.

Whilst checking your boat on a mooring is important, it should always be done when conditions are safe, if it doubt contact the Coastguard.

A little bit of history

Photo courtesy of Dr M Aryes - Swanage Town Council

Some time ago I asked via the blog if anyone knew what was originally at the site of the new Coastguard Station at North Beach Car Park.

Well there I was in the Town Clerk's Office and there on the wall........a picture of North Swanage and the development of De Moulham Road.

The picture shows De Moulham Road with allotments and the development of Bonfield Avenue around 1920, perhaps?

The site of the future station is just waste ground? It doesn't even appear to be farm land.

The stream doesn't seem to exist let alone the car park.

Slipwatch 2012

It's back for the new year and more "mocking" from the team......

With all this rain (more forecast for tomorrow) more mud has slipped down.

On the blog front, we hope you like the new style, my very special thanks to Swanage Oscar for all his hard work, some minor adjustments will be made in the coming days so stick with us.

Happy New Year

Happy New Year for 2012!