Ian Brown BEM

Some really good news to share as we reach the end of 2020, not only one of the strangest years we can remember, but our busiest on record.

We learned last night that our Station Officer Ian Brown has been awarded the British Empire Medal in recognition of his service with the Team. Ian has been serving with the Swanage team in his local community since 1990 and has been involved in many high-profile incidents where his calm authority has provided support for his teammates and others in often traumatic situations. Ian has also given of his own time to promote maritime safety in the local community and leads his team’s attendance at a number of local events which is another opportunity to engage with the public.

Ian said: “I am extremely proud to receive this award in recognition of my work with the Coastguard Rescue Service during the last 30 years and I feel honoured to represent the organisation in rescue work and in the wider community. This award also reflects the support I receive from my family, friend and some amazing colleagues in HM Coastguard and our partner agencies.”

Ian was also awarded the 'Swanage Coastguard of the Year' by his team mates last year

MCA Chief Executive Brian Johnson said: “We can never thank enough those who go beyond the call of duty, putting the safety and wellbeing of others first. Dedication like this should be rightly recognised and I am so proud that our people have been honoured by Her Majesty.”

We will have a look at Ian's thirty years of service in a day or two, but for the meantime Ian, many congratulations from all your colleagues on the team, both past and present.

Merry Christmas

 

From us all at Swanage Coastguard , we would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. 

Our opening hours are as above and along with our colleagues in the Operations Centre will be ready to respond to emergencies over the festive period. 

We remain in a difficult time so  please help us to stay safe by following the national guidelines in line with the tiered system. 

Please be aware that over the next few days the weather is also going to deteriorate with some very strong winds coming in. Please check the forecast closely. 

Finally thank you to you all for support during this year . 

Take care near cliffs

With gloomy weather and news  you may be tempted for a walk along the beach in the week. 

The rain has seen an increase in small landslips especially to the north end of the beach. 

Keep clear of the base of any cliffs here in swanage or elsewhere along the coast.  Small mud slips can cause small dogs to get stuck and as these develop may cause problems for walkers. 

In an emergency call 999 Coastguard. 

SW165

 

One year ago today we lost John after such a brave battle.

Forever in our thoughts, his humour , strength , advice and friendship is missed so much. 

Whichever Landrover he’s driving now , he’s never forgotten. 

Torch lights cause concern

 

Some torch lights under Ballard this evening saw the team tasked to investigate. 

Some local walkers were concerned that some people were caught out with the high tide and we’re looking for a route out. 

The team were unable to access the area safely north of Sheps Hollow so the lifeboat was requested but as the crew were assembling a group of fisherman seeing the emergency blue lights of the Coastguard vehicle called the Coastguard and confirmed they were safe and fishing. 

This was a genuine call which we would rather check than ignore.  If concerned dial 999 and ask for Coastguard. 

After a stormy day

 

After a stormy day on Saturday , a brighter but colder day. 

If you are taking a walk please ensure you take care on footpaths or uneven ground after the rain yesterday. 

The easterly wind may have washed items up on the beach so please if you are unsure what it is call the Coastguard. 

In an emergency 999 Coastguard.