Depression, Angst and Support

In recent times the team has seen a sharp rise in the number of  'concern for welfare' incidents where despondent individuals are believed to have deliberately put themselves in harm's way, potentially with a view to taking their own lives. 

We have been called to four such cases in the last 10 days all, thankfully, with a successful outcome.

Life can often seem hard, problems build up and things don't make sense and as a team we never judge - we work with partner agencies to bring the person back into a place of safety where they can talk to someone and get some support. 

There's lots of help out there and if you can't talk with friends and family there are folks out there who offer a safe place for you to talk any time you like, in your own way – about whatever’s getting to you. You don’t have to be suicidal.

There is help and support available

• Samaritans offer a 24-hours a day, 7 days a week support service. Call them FREE on 116 123. You can also email jo@samaritans.org.
• Papyrus is a dedicated service for young people up to the age of 35 who are worried about how they are feeling or anyone concerned about a young person. You can call the HOPElineUK number on 0800 068 4141, you can text 07786 209697 or email pat@papyrus-uk.org.
• NHS Choices: 24-hour national helpline providing health advice and information. Call them free on 111. C.A.L.M.: National helpline for men to talk about any issues they are feeling. Call 0800 58 58 58.

We did remember them

After yesterday’s incident, some members of the team represented HM Coastguard in the Town’s Remembrance parade.

The team joined several hundred others including veterans , other services and military personal.





We shall remember all those civilian and military you have fallen in the conflicts around the World.

We Will Remember

The scene at the Station this morning,  11th November.

The Coastguard flag flies in memory of all those who gave their lives in conflict.

The team has just returned from an incident on Swanage Downs which resulted in the safe recovery of a casualty at the cliff edge.

Now to clean the muddy boots in time for the parade this afternoon.

Flood barrier monitoring

The Coastguard team provided eight hours of monitoring and safety cover during both high tides yesterday.






Working along side the Environment Agency and Dorset Police the barrier was monitored with several members of the public asked to move away from the closed section for their safety.

Large waves pounded the parade and along shore road.



During the monitoring of the barrier the team were requested to assist Dorset Police with a concern for welfare. Both Swanage and St Albans Coastguard teams were tasked and searches were carried out on the jetties and pier. As the full teams arrived Police confirmed the incident had been resolved and the teams were stood down.

A final check of the barrier was carried before returning to station around midnight.

Stay safe

A Flood Warning has now been issued for tonight high tide around 9pm in Swanage Bay

The lower high street and part of the square has been closed and this will include some footpaths tonight.

Please respect those closures , they are done for a reason which includes safety.

The large dump bags that form the flood barrier are a trial rather than the previous 700 sandbags that were used. Partner agencies are looking at a long term solution.

Flood Barrier installed

After events on Wednesday morning and with another approaching storm due on Friday a decision was made to put a temporary flood barrier to protect properties in the lower high street.

Strong gale force winds are due and with a high tide there could be overtopping of waves.

Partner agencies including County , Town and District Councils, Environment Agency , HM Coastguard , DWFRS and Dorset Police have worked together to get the barrier installed.

During high water on Friday , Coastguard Officers will be on duty to monitor the barrier and ensure public safety.

Please take care and keep clear from any flooded areas.

Early Morning Flooding

The team was tasked early on Wednesday after high tides, strong winds and rain combined to overtop the Stone Quay and flood the lower High Street.

The team provided safety cover for Town Council operatives and passers by and implemented a temporary road closure until police arrived and liaised with the appropriate authorities -  owing to the amount of rocks and debris being thrown into the road.  With 'eyes on', we were also able to provide a commentary to our colleagues at the Environment Agency.

Further high tides and weather warnings give the potential for further flooding on Wednesday evening and Thursday morning.

Call to Old Harry

The team have been called this afternoon to assist SWASFT with a mountain biker who had fallen from their bike.

The local male was heading down to Old Harry from Ballard when he fell from his bike. Some passerby’s assisted until the services arrived.

The Coastguard team assisted in transporting the injured male and paramedic to the ambulance.

During the incident the team briefly assisted a second casualty again assisting with the ambulance service.

Broken Leg at Dancing Ledge

The team were tasked to Dancing Ledge on Wednesday to a report of a person with a broken leg.

Both Swanage and St Albans teams were tasked along with a Ambulance first responder.

The male who had been coasteering at the Ledge had managed to get out of the water and to safety. The teams assisted in transporting the male back to a vehicle for onward transport to hospital.