Don’t travel here for a BBQ

Despite signage, people are still travelling to the area to have a BBQ on the beaches. 

Having been called to Studland to assist the Ambulance service gain access to the beach, the team were made aware of a large party at Shell Bay having travelled for 3 hours to get here. 

Dorset and Wilts Fire and Rescue also attended to put the BBQ out and ensure the coals didn’t set the heath alight.  

The rain we have had has NOT been enough to dampen the heath. 

We will be working with Fire,  Police and National Trust to patrol the area and put BBQ’s out. 

Please help us Do not travel to have a BBQ at any Dorset Beaches many which are SSSI sites and protected 

Incident at harbour entrance

The patrol were tasked to the harbour entrance after a call reporting a capsized boat.

Both Poole RNLI lifeboats were tasked along with Swanage and Poole Coastguard and Rescue 175.

The lifeboats located a motorboat sunk with just the bow sticking out of the water.  Fuel was also leaking from fuel tanks.

As a search started for any people the harbour master confirmed the vessel had sunk earlier and no one was missing.

Rescue units were returned whilst the pollution is being monitored.

The big clean up

Spare a thought for all those left to clean up the beaches after the last two days. 

A patrol headed out to support and see what was left from yesterday. A lot less people but sadly a lot of rubbish left. They also went to check the access gates that have been blocked for the last few days. 

This photo from Thursday evening on the front at Swanage - clearly people didn’t want to take their rubbish home. 

The team located these in the dunes - if the owners would like to collect them . 

We sadly didn’t find the keys for the car lost on the beach. 

Finally along with our colleagues from Dorset Police we share this story - we also came across this vehicle close to the chain ferry last night.   The car park was closed so the driver decided to drive or perhaps try to drive in the car park via the exit which is guarded by spikes - result a large bill and recovery for two punctures.   

Please help us - remember social distancing and help us protect our environment. 

Today’s view

 Today’s patrol headed to Studland but we’re seriously hampered by poor parking on the ferry road.

They were tasked to assist fire with a BBQ left burning in the dunes.

 One BBQ located and put out - people are ignoring signage - NO BBQ’s

Over 1000 cars have been reported in the area with Police ticketing vehicles blocking emergency access route. 

NO BBQ’s or cooking

The team returning from a couple of incidents worked with Dorset and Wilts fire asking people to put their BBQ’s out on Studland beach.

Currently due to high fire risk there should not be no cooking , BBQ’s or fires at Studland.

Seahorses

(Photo from the MMO)

These very special creatures are very protected in law  and we have been asked by colleagues in the Maritime Management Organisation to highlight the law not only with seahorses but also other sea creatures which are protected.

Use the link above to read about the protection in place to protect our wildlife.

MMO note on seahorses and wildlife licensing – May 2020

If you are considering looking for seahorses or wish to photograph them – be aware:
Both species of UK seahorses - spiny (Hippocampus guttulatus) and short-snouted (Hippocampus hippocampus) are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, under Section 9 for the following offences:
• Possess/Keep
• Capture
• Intentionally or recklessly disturb
• Intentionally kill
• Intentionally injure
• Intentionally or recklessly damage or destroy place of shelter or protection of a seahorse

You must have a wildlife licence if you are diving and intending to do something likely to disturb seahorses.

This could be taking photographs or filming. Intentionally disturbing seahorses without a wildlife licence could lead to enforcement action.

The MMO can issue a wildlife licence for specific reasons, for example, if activities are completed for scientific or educational purposes.

If you incidentally encounter a seahorse this is not an offence, however if you intentionally return to search for seahorses this requires a wildlife licence.

If you have an incidental encounter with a seahorse:
To reduce any potential disturbance to seahorses if you have an incidental encounter:
 Do not pursue seahorses if they swim away
 If a seahorse displays signs of distress divers & snorkelers must retreat slowly to
at least 5 metres away, avoiding sudden movement.
 The following list describes typical behaviour displayed by stressed seahorses:
o A seahorse will rise up into the water column above the seabed or into surrounding area and swim with its tail curled up;
o A seahorse will hold its head in a downward, chest hugging posture
o A seahorse will turn its back, curl up, lie flat or move away
o Seahorse's colouring will darken, especially in the squares amongst the
body ridges; and
o The pupils in the eyes of the seahorse will dilate/fluctuate.
 pg. 1 of 2

  General protocol of snorkelling & diving around seagrass beds:
Due to seahorses’ protection, and the protected status of the Studland Bay Marine Conservation Zone, it’s important that users of the site ensure seagrass and seahorses are not harmed or disturbed while diving, snorkelling and during launching of boats.
To reduce any potential disturbance or harm to seagrass and seahorses:
o Divers & snorkelers should not put their feet/body or equipment down onto the
seagrass.
o Divers hoses and other equipment should be strapped close to their bodies. o Divers should swim parallel to the seafloor so their fins don’t touch the
seagrass.

The MMO recommends you also follow the Seahorse Trust seahorse seagrass diving protocols to reduce any potential harm to seagrass and incidental harm to seahorses when diving.
Further details:

Details about marine wildlife licensing can be found on:
www.gov.uk/guidance/understand-marine-wildlife-licences-and-report-an-incident
Information about the protection of seahorses can be found on:
www.gov.uk/government/publications/protected-marine-species/fish-including- seahorses-sharks-and-skates
Any queries please contact conservation@marinemanagement.org

Sunday Round Up

The team headed out on an accident Prevention Patrol in the local area to focus on reducing incidents during these different times.

A group were spoken to at Studland for the manner they were using their craft close to shore and near swimmers and a BBQ was requested to be extinguished due to the current fire risk.

The patrol were then tasked to Old Harry and a report of a person laid out at the base of cliffs. On route the team were advised this person had got up and got into a boat and left.  At the same time the team were made aware about a group climbing one of the stacks at Old Harry so continued to investigate.

At certain times of the year there are restrictions at Old Harry due to nesting birds and also it’s not a usual place to climb due to the very loose rock.   On arrival the team were joined by the Coastguard helicopter who were in the area training and the crew soon confirmed this was a group with equipment climbing. Colleagues in the National Maritime Operation Centre made contact with the group who confirmed they were safe and well.

That just left the team to ask a few people to come away from the edge of the cliff as they were sitting  a little to close to the edge which in places had little underneath it.

Later in the evening the team were tasked to Southbourne to back colleagues up at an incident but were stood down shortly afterwards as another team became available which were nearer.

 The Coastguard helicopter on a training flight at Old Harry Rocks

False Alarm with Good Intent

False alarm with good intent (FAWGI) is the best description for the two incidents that Coastguard and Lifeboat crews attended yesterday.

The first call out at 17.00 was a report that a windsurfer may have been in trouble in the bay.  National Coastwatch had seen two windsurfers on the water but then only one could be seen in the swell.  Swanage Inshore Lifeboat and the Coastguard were tasked to search the area for the missing one.

The Coastguard team searched the shoreline whilst the lifeboat searched the bay.  The all weather lifeboat was about to be launched when a lifeboat crew member directed the Coastguard team to a pair safely on the beach.  Very quickly it was established both were very experienced and safely ashore.  With the lack of wind ( just prior to a heavy rain shower ) one of them  had to paddle ashore but was lost in a swell from the view of the informant.

As the search units returned to station  further 999 calls were received for four person in the water off the stone quay.  Again the team and lifeboat responded and searched the area.

A group of youths had been seen earlier in the water by the quay and there was concern this group were in trouble , thankfully what was seen were four marker buoys in the swell.   It was also confirmed the group seen earlier had left.

We must praise those who made 999 calls for these calls , We would much rather confirm all is ok ( FAWGI) than not get a call to someone who really is in trouble

999 Coastguard for maritime emergencies

Build your Skill levels back up

As indoor walls are still not open it seems we are seeing a larger number of climbers coming to Purbeck to climb, some for the first time .

BMC guidance-for-new-outdoor-climbers

If you are unfamiliar with the area please stay well within your climbing ability, climb a grade or two lower than you are usually comfortable with to get familiar with the area, some climbs here can be under-graded, with steep and in places loose rock.

Be sure that on our sea cliffs both leader and second can climb out. Leave your abseil rope in place and ensure you have prusiks and more importantly know how to use them!  A lot of routes can be remote and once you’re  in you’re committed to climbing out .

Please ensure during these extraordinary times you make sensible choices.  We will attend any incidents we are called to   however be aware our response maybe slower than usual due to covid-19 protocols and the additional PPE we need to do to keep ourselves, our team members and our casualties safe.  In case of emergencies there is an emergency phone with a direct line to the National Maritime Operation Centre located by the gate of the lighthouse at Anvil point.

There is no mobile phone reception along the cliff top or at the bottom of any crags please keep this in mind, and if you do need our help an exact location of the area you are climbing  and the climb you or your partner need help on will assist in us getting to you as quick as we can .

From the BMC

999 Coastguard

Climber rescued in early hours

A climber stuck on cliffs near Anvil Point after a days climbing has been rescued safely during a two hour incident.

The Swanage Coastguard team along with St Albans Coastguard were tasked to a report of a climber stuck in the Boulder Ruckle area at midnight.

Both Swanage RNLI lifeboats were launched to assist in the incident and on arrival provided safety cover and lit up the scene of the incident from the water.

A rope technician was deployed to the climber who was stuck about mid way on the 90ft cliff.
Working under flood lights and with the restrictions the current health situation the technician worked to safely get to the climber, check their welfare before rescuing them using a rescue strop.

The female climber had been climbing in the area for the day with a friend when they became stuck.  Due to time of day the pair called the emergency services for assistance.

Having been recovered to the top of the cliff and medically checked the pair left to return home.

Rope technician with the Swanage Lifeboat lighting up the cliff.

Keeping you safe

Accident Prevention Patrols have continued to go out in Swanage and other areas of Dorset and Hampshire  to try and lessen the number of accidents and work with partner agencies

During the week a patrol gave first aid to a young child after they cut their foot at Studland.

Friday , a joint patrol working with Police to encourage no over night camping and BBQ’s in the Studland area.

Yesterday we worked with the National Trust  in closing  a slipway as several people had got stuck in sea weed, checked Tilly Whim Caves and then searched for an injured person at Sheps Hollow after reports of blood and a pair of glasses were found.  Despite a good search no one could be found.

So please help us - observe the Government guidelines and local advice.

Wear the correct clothing even for a walk.

Still no BBQ’s on the beaches , heathland and forest areas.

Working with Partners

Many Coastguard teams have been working with other emergency services to assist in accident and incident reduction. 

In the last few weeks our focus ( not forgetting our core role ) is to assist Dorset and Wilts Fire and Rescue with the risk of fire in the Studland area.   Many visits to the area to offer advice have been done for safety. 

We know it’s been tough in the last few months but we must remain safe and protect our front line services and our environment.  

Even though it rained yesterday - the area remains at a high risk of Fire - No outside fires or BBQ’s should be had in the open. 

Tilly Whim Caves Again

For the second time the team were tasked to Tilly Whim Caves after reports of people getting in and setting up camp.

The team proceeded and located four males who had set up a BBQ and were intending to camp over night.  They were asked to leave as the area is closed and suggested they go home in line with current guidelines.

The group were monitored out of the park and the Police were stood down.

Shortly afterward the team assisted in a search for a missing female in the town.  Searching several high risk areas the news arrived the female was heading home safely.

Multi Agency approach

Today patrol focused on the Studland area and the high fire risk.  It wasn’t long before things started to happen when a large BBQ was located with out it’s owner.

The patrol were joined by a fire safety officer and police during the patrol ( socially distancing )

If you are the owner of the said BBQ, please get in touch so we can return the item and also understand why the signs saying no BBQ’s don’t apply to you ?

The patrol continued and located a group having a BBQ at Shell Bay.  Again the multi agency approach was taken and the BBQ was extinguished.

We are lucky where we live but one tiny ember could have a devastating effect on that we don’t look after it.