Boxing Day fall

The  team were tasked today to a lady out walking with her family who had sustained a suspected shoulder injury. 

While walking down from Ballard towards Old Harry on the SW Coastpath,   their boisterous and rather large, (but  adorable) puppy accidentally tripped the lady up and she landed awkwardly on the path. 

 The family followed the correct procedure by calling Coastguard for assistance.  After assessing the casualty, providing casualty care,  and a discussion with the family,  Swanage Coastguard,  along with colleagues from St Albans,  managed to get the casualty over the fence  and transported back down to Studland for further transportation to A+E in the family car.

   We wish the lady a swift recovery.

Merry Christmas

 

We would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas. 

A special shout to all our Coastguard teams who will be on standby throughout the Christmas holidays. 

To our colleagues from Dorset Police, Dorset and Wilts Fire , South Western Ambulance , RNLI and Coastwatch stay safe and for those working we salute you. 

If you are heading out over Christmas make sure you wear the correct clothing, check the weather and stick to the paths. 

In an Emergency on the coast, dial 999 and ask for Coastguard. 

Ankle Injury at Anvil Point

 

Coastguard teams from Swanage and St Albans attended Anvil Point today to a report of a person fallen receiving an ankle injury. 

On arrival the teams were shown where the injured lady was between the lighthouse and Tilly Whim caves. 

First aid was provided before a stretcher carry out was provided to a car and onward transport to a local hospital.  

Harlyn takes a tumble

 

Both the Swanage and St Albans Coastguard teams were tasked to the Downs at Swanage after nine month old ,  Harlyn a collie cross disappeared over the cliff. 

The teams were paged just after 4pm and set up for a rope rescue to recover Harlyn who was sat on a ledge some 30 metres down. 

After a little persuasion and using the special dog recovery bag, Harlyn was safely recovered back up the cliff and reunited with his owner. 

As the owner did , in a Coastal emergency dial  999 Coastguard 

Storm Arwen

 

The team had an early start with a report of a boat washed up at Bramble Bush Bay. 

Concerned that someone was on board and in Gale Force winds, the team investigated finding the boat aground. 

Confirming no one was on board and with no pollution the owner was traced confirming no further concern. 

Broken ankle at Dancing Ledge

 

Coastguard teams from St Albans and Swanage attended Dancing Ledge yesterday to a lady with a female with a broken ankle. 

An off duty Coastguard climbing in the area was made aware of the incident and requested assistance. 

Both Coastguard teams attended along with both Swanage RNLI lifeboats.  The casualty was transferred via the lifeboat and taken to North Haven steps to be met by an ambulance. 

Take care in the weather

 The area is experiencing some very strong gusts of wind which are causing damage to property and creating large waves. 

Please take care and stay away from beaches and areas where large waves are forming. 

The Late David Gough

 

The Late David  Patrick Gough 

Funeral at Poole Crematorium Monday 25th October 14.00

Due to an error the information for the funeral missed the local paper and the family wish all that knew him to know.  

Team and water rescue training

 

The team were put through their paces today down on the beach  during water rescue training. 

With our Senior Coastguard Operations Officer, Allan led our revalidation to ensure the team were operational .  

Dave Gough SW150

 

It is with great sadness we learnt last week of the passing of Dave Gough. 

Dave joined the team in October 1975 and served as the deputy auxiliary in charge , auxiliary in charge before the title was changed to Station Officer. 

Throughout those year he served in both the lookout at Peveril Point and the Rescue Company carrying out many rescues. 

Dave retired from the team in July 2002 but followed the team with great interest. 

Outside of the Coastguard he ran a local wine merchants , was a beach warden before working in Purbeck Lighting in the high street. 

He will be missed by all that knew him especially when requiring a pen as Dave always had one tucked behind his ear. 

Our thoughts are with Pauline , Simon, Paul and families. 

The sad loss of Mark Kilby

 

We are very sad to announce the loss of one of our team . 

Mark joined our team in June 2018 and throughout the pandemic continued to train and respond to incidents. 

On Monday evening whilst taking part in a sporting event , Mark collapsed and despite the efforts of everyone there and medical teams he sadly passed away. 

From all at HM Coastguard we send our condolences to Mark’s family and friends.  

Yacht aground

 

The team along with Poole RNLI lifeboat were tasked this evening to a yacht aground at Studland. 

The yacht went aground earlier this week and despite efforts has remained stuck. 

Tonight Solent Coastguard were unable to check the welfare of the skipper on board so tasked both the team and the lifeboat. 

On arrival the team were able to confirm the safety of the male and the units were released. 

Walker airlifted from Coastal Path

 The Swanage and St Albans Coastguard teams were tasked this afternoon to a walker near to the western mile markers. 

The team located a female Walker who had fallen on the lower coastal path causing a serious leg injury. Due to the location being a mile to the nearest road and with difficult terrain the helicopter was requested to assist in the extraction of the injured lady. 

The teams supported the helicopter crew before the lady was winched to the aircraft and on to Poole. 

Boat washed up

 

The team were called several times to this boat during the week. 

The first time was when it was reported sunk on a mooring off the stone quay.  Later that night a report of the boat leaking fuel saw the team check the shore line . 

The next day the team were back to provide safety cover and keep the public clear whilst the boat was moved up the beach. It has now been recovered. 

Coastguard Rescue a …… Tortoise!

 Yes absolutely true whilst at the station this lunchtime  , a tortoise suddenly appeared and ran past the station in the car park. 

If you have lost a tortoise please get in touch , we are looking after it and liaising with the local vets to see if it’s been micro chipped. 

Busy Day for Coastguard Teams

 

             library picture of steps at Sheps Hollow. 

The day started with the patrol assisting a lady who had fallen in the town near to the library.  With the help from two off duty paramedics the team provided support whilst waiting for an ambulance but due to their commitments she was helped to a families car and taken to hospital where it was found she had a broken arm. 

The patrol and full team were then tasked to the harbour entrance after an aircraft from the Bournemouth airshow had declared a ‘mayday’ with engine failure.  The team made for the chain ferry after the aircraft came down in the water near to the Haven Hotel and Chain Ferry.  The two on board were thankfully rescued very quickly and the aircraft sank. 

Knowing the two were safe the team were diverted to Sheps Hollow and a male who had fallen down the steps injuring his back.  Coastguards from St Albans and Kimmeridge assisted in treating and carrying out the male to wait for an ambulance.  

Whilst waiting for the ambulance , the St Albans team were tasked to Kimmeridge to a report of a large landslip and part of the Swanage team were diverted back to Shell Bay to check for pollution from the aircraft and to collect eye witness statements from the public. 

On route back to Swanage the team were diverted to a report of two persons cut off by the tide at Old Harry. Swanage RNLI ILB was launching when it was discovered the pair had been picked up and taken to the beach. 

Finally the teams were released just after 8pm to clean and prepare the vehicles for the next incidents. 

Coastguard and Lifeboat recover boat

 

The Bank Holiday Coastguard patrol were diverted to a boat that had come ashore near to the Stone quay. 

Arriving on scene the owners with some help had managed to get the boat and three people on to a mooring however with possible damage and an engine failure the Swanage RNLI inshore lifeboat was requested to take the boat and occupants to safety. 

The lifeboat arrived whilst the Coastguard provided safety cover ashore and safely got the occupants to the quay returning to the boat and towing it to the boat park. 

With the boat at the slipway , the owners were assisted recovering the boat onto a trailer and out of the sea. 

Medical evacuation

 

The team along with colleagues from St Albans Coastguard , Both Swanage RNLI lifeboats and South Western Ambulance were tasked at 13.33 to north of Sheps Hollow to a male who had fallen off a wake board suffering  a leg and potential spinal injuries. 

Having managed to get the male ashore the family of the male had called for urgent assistance via the Coastguard Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) 

Arriving on scene , the male was treated for a neck and spinal injury before being transport by lifeboat back to their station and the waiting ambulance crew. 

A dingy, kayak , dog and a broken ankle

 The team were tasked along with St Albans Coastguard, Poole RNLI Lifeboat and Rescue 175 from Lee on Solent to a report of a capsized sail dinghy north of Knoll Beach Studland.  Numerous 999 calls from the public raised the alarm saying two persons were in the water.  The lifeboat arrived and brought one person ashore whilst the other managed to get ashore themselves.  

As the 1st incident was concluding a further incident of a kayaker at Old Harry was received. A paddle had been lost and the pair had made it ashore where they were reunited with their paddle and escorted back to shore by the lifeboat. 

It was then off to St Albans Heads and a report of Benjie the dog fallen from the cliff top onto a ledge below.  St Albans Coastguard and Swanage Coastguard attended and safely recovered the dog to the top and reunited with their owners.  The dog had been on a lead when somehow Benjie managed to slip the collar. 

One happy dog reunited with its owners. 

Finally around 6pm the team were tasked to near the pier after a female slipped on seaweed and possibly broke her  ankle.  The team provided first aid and safely moved the lady out of the way of the incoming tide.  Due to a delay for an ambulance the lady was stretchered to a private vehicle for the journey to hospital. 

Person pulled from water

 

The team along with the RNLI inshore lifeboat crew were tasked this morning at 1am to a report of a person in the water at the stone quay. 

Arriving on scene Dorset Police Officers had located one person on the steps pulled from the water by another person and some fisherman.

Colleagues from South Western Ambulance provided treatment to both people that had been in the water taking one to hospital. 

 

Hang on to your inflatables

 

Other inflatables are available. 

So this week , several inflatables have drifted off shore including beach balls , flounder fish and a unicorn. 

Thankfully no one has been on them and no one put themselves at risk trying to recover them. 

Today we have a strong  wind here in Swanage and we ask that inflatables are left at home. 

If you see anyone at risk or in trouble on the water 

999 Coastguard 

Badger reported at Old Harry

 

The team were tasked this morning to a report of a badger fallen at Old Harry. 

This was reported to the RSPCA last night and this morning they asked the Coastguard for assistance. 

A team has searched safely from the top of the cliffs but have been unable to locate anything at this time. 

The RSPCA will be attending tomorrow with a boat to further check the shore line. 

We ask the public not to put themselves at risk but to call Coastguard / RSPCA if there are further sightings. 

Warnings go unheeded

 

Despite recent warnings , today’s patrol yet again found people taking unnecessary risks at Old Harry.

The bridge is now starting to deteriorate even further with the footfall but still people are walking this narrow ridge putting themselves and others at risk. 

Several people were asked to come back whilst trying to take photos. The patrol spent time explaining the dangers to those around. 

Later in the evening the team were tasked to Middle Beach to a report of two swimmers missing . Both Swanage RNLI lifeboats were launching but as the Coastguard team arrived at Studland a further call was received to say the swimmers had turned up safe and well. All assets were stood down. 

Having been stood down from the Studland incident the team were aware of a medical incident on the sea front and attended assisting the ambulance service. 

Incidents at Studland

 The team were tasked on Wednesday night to provide safety cover for Police and Lifeboat crews whilst they dealt with an incident on a small yacht near to the Pier. 

Due to the weather conditions on Thursday a patrol set off to check key areas but it wasn’t long before they were tasked to Old Harry to monitor the lifeboat go to the aid of a paddle boarder.  The lifeboat located the casualty and brought them ashore at Studland. 

As that incident concluded the lifeboat and patrol were tasked again to more paddle-boarders to the  north of Knoll Beach.  On route the group made it ashore but the patrol arrived and offered the group some safety advice. 

In an emergency 999 Coastguard 

Don’t put yourself at risk

 

Taken last night near Old Harry - help us to help you . 

Don’t take risks - this person is stood on a cliff top no wider than 50cm’s - it’s NOT a path with a drop each side. 

999 Coaatguard 

Paddle-boarder rescued

 

The team were tasked to a report of a person in the water close to the stone quay today at 1pm. 

The Swanage RNLI inshore lifeboat was also tasked to the incident. 

On route information was updated that a local boat had managed to get the male ashore and first aid was provided by the lifeboat crew before the ambulance service took over. 

If you are taking to the water this weekend ensure you are wearing a lifejacket  or buoyancy aid. 

999 Coastguard. 

S.L.O.W.

 Large inter-agency group works together on measures to improve water safety.

Over many years there has been a growing number of incidents around water safety relating to jet skis and small motorised boats at both Studland Bay and Swanage Bay.  Last year, the problem was exacerbated as there was an increase in “staycation” visitor numbers, with more people bringing or hiring jet skis and boats.

Like many parts of the Dorset coast, there has also been a growing number of people who are taking part in open water swimming throughout the year. Simply put, there are now more people using the sea, which can lead to safety concerns.

The issue around jet skis and motorboats is ongoing and resolving it sits across a range of different organisations/partners including Dorset Council, National Trust, HM Coastguard, Dorset Marine Policing Team, Swanage Town Council, Dorset Coast Forum, Studland Parish Council, RNLI, Personal Watercraft Partnership, Poole Harbour Commissioners, as well as representatives from both the wider jet ski and sea swimming communities.

In August 2020 this group, coordinated by Dorset Council, started to work collaboratively to deliver a programme of measures that they hope will reduce the number of incidents in these areas and make the water safer for all. They include:

• Dorset Council investing in more 5 knot Speed marker Buoys to clearly mark areas where jet ski and motorised boats need to reduce their speed in line with the current Pleasure boat byelaw. There are also regular patrols from April to September, provided by two local water sport companies to actively engage with people on water safety.

 

• Personal Watercraft Patnership have funded two marine police on Jet Ski safety which will help with education, enforcement and with the running some police operation days over the summer months.

 

• Swanage Town Council have closed the Parish Slipway at Swanage to motorised vehicles therefore stopping any launching of jet skis in this very crowded area.

 

• New signage, along with a leaflet andwebsite has been developed and will be used to promote key information on water safety.

 

• Dorset Marine Policing Team running Operation Seagoing #opseagoing over the summer months.

 

Cllr Ray Bryan, Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment, commented:

 

“With more people set to visit our beautiful county this summer, we needed to take action to ensure those who wish to use our waters are kept safe. I want to thank all our partners for their hard work in helping keep incidents to a minimum so everyone can have a good time responsibly.”

 

Ian Brown, from the Coastguard said:

 

“It’s vital we work together with partners to reduce the risks of incidents between water users in Swanage and Studland”

 

Dave Brown from the Dorset Marine Police went on to say:

 

“We hope our SLOW - See, Look, Observe, Watch - campaign message is really clear to everyone. We don’t want to spoil people’s enjoyment, but we do need to have fun safely”

 

If you ride a jet ski or drive a motorised boat, then please follow a few simple things:

 

• See who else is in the water. The water is a shared space, but swimmers are hard to spot.
• Look out for wildlife. Don’t harass or cause disturbance. We have some fabulous wildlife in the sea that can be harmed by noise, speed, and aggressive behaviour.  
• Observe the sea conditions. They constantly change and can be unpredictable. The tide comes in and goes out 2 times a day at different times with the water moving in towards the beach or moving out away from the beach. Make sure you know what direction the water is moving in throughout the day. Check tide times, weather forecast and sea conditions before you leave home.
• Watch your speed. From the shore to the yellow speed marker buoys the speed limit is 5 Knots (assume 5MPH) – they are there for a reason. Where possible, for your safety and others we would be suggest you remain on the seaward of the buoys. 

Can you see who is out there ?

 

The Coastguard often do a lot of watching and monitoring of boats , crafts and people on the water. 

Today was no different when two kayakers were spotted heading out towards Old Harry. Concerned with the conditions and the weather warning the patrol headed to the Old Harry area and working with our colleagues in NCI Peveril Point monitored them until they were safely back in Swanage. 

In a coastal emergency 999 Coastguard. 

Medial incident

 A serious medical incident on Studland Beach saw a large section of the beach cleared to allow a safe area for the Coastguard helicopter from Lee on Solent  to land. 

Coastguards provided Initial first aid until the arrival of paramedics from South Western Ambulance and  along with staff from the National Trust worked to then clear the beach.  

The male was then flown to the whitecliff landing site at Poole to be taken to hospital. 

We would like to thank the public for their cooperation during this incident.  

Medical incidents at Studland

 

A busy afternoon for the teams at Studland with medical incidents on the beach. 

The patrol gave first aid to a collapsed male requesting the full team and ambulance near to Knoll Beach. 

Meanwhile colleagues from St Albans and Poole Coastguard were tasked to a person with a dislocated shoulder at the northern end of the beach. 

The Coastguard teams assisted ambulance crews with the transportation of both casualties to the ambulances. 

Incident at St Albans Head

 

The Swanage and Kimmeridge Coastguard teams were tasked to support St Albans Coastguard at St Albans Head.

A female has a suspected broken ankle and due to the difficult location had to be airlifted to hospital but the Rescue helicopter from Lee on Solent. 

South Western Ambulance also attended the incident. 

The female was flown to the landing site for Poole hospital. 

Yacht aground

 

The scene this morning after a yacht broke its mooring and ended up on the main beach.

The owner turned up and confirmed no one was missing.  

The area was checked for pollution but nothing was found. The team returned at the first high water to monitor the situation whilst the owner tried to refloat the vessel.  

Assisted by lifeguards and Beach wardens the area was monitored to ensure the safety of visitors to the beach. Unfortunately the vessel didn’t move so another attempt was before 6pm with the help of a local fishing boat which was successful. 

Joint working

Yesterday morning (Sunday) a multi agency incident to search for a missing lady from Wareham resulted in a successful coordinated effort in locating her in very difficult terrain. 

The NPAS aircraft crew located the lady in a Reed bed landed and directed rescue teams to the location. 

Dorset Police, South Western Ambulance , DorSAR, Coastguard teams from Kimmeridge and Swanage, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, RNLI Poole worked together to successfully extract the lady from where she was found to the air Ambulance. 

Having been called at 09.25 the team returned to Swanage but were soon out again to a vessel aground at Studland beach. Thankfully on arrival everyone was confirmed safe and the vessel had been refloated. 

Three incidents at Old Harry then started when the patrols located people in very dangerous locations and despite warnings put themselves and others in danger. 

One of the incidents at Old Harry yesterday, involved the person thinking they were able to get to the beach.  A similar incident a short time later saw the whole team requested along with colleagues from St Albans Coastguard tasked to set up rope equipment as again the person was in a dangerous positions and could have fallen or got stuck.  

A further medical incident supporting the RNLI and ambulance , a bbq in a sensitive area , six people escorted from Tilly Whim caves , a further abandon vessel on Studland beach and concern for a kayaker saw the team finally return to station at 20.25 - eleven hours after the first call. 

Coastal Emergency 999 Coastguard  

Step back from the edge

 We continue to remind people to take care and not get to close to the edge of the cliff. 

Despite warnings and a recent incident where someone fell we continue to see people taking unnecessary risks to take photos or “just have a look” 

Stay back and away from cliff edges. 

In a coastal emergency 999 Coastguard. 

Walker airlifted to hospital

 This afternoon a walker had to be airlifted from above Dancing Ledge to Southampton. 

The Swanage Coastguard Team  and South Western Ambulance proceeded to the steep path between Dancing Ledge and Spyway farm to a walker who had slipped and rolled a distance back down the hill. 

Colleagues from St Albans Coastguard were also tasked to assist and due to a possible spinal injury the Rescue Helicopter from Lee on Solent also attended. 

The female was airlifted from the steep slope and after a further assessment was taken by the Coastguard helicopter to Southampton hospital. 

Rescue 175 lifting the casualty to a safer location to be further assessed. 

Don’t risk it

Despite recent warnings, the team had to stop training this week to prevent another serious accident. 

On Tuesday the team were rope training at Old Harry when two people were seen walking out on a very narrow path. The training was halted whilst a team member went to speak to the pair and ask them to come back. 

Is risking your safety for a photo worth it ? 

In a coastal emergency 999 Coastguard. 

Working with helicopters

 On Friday we were called to a climber with a dislocated knee. 

Working with the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance crew and the crew of Rescue 175 based at Lee on Solent the climber was airlifted to Poole. 

Just a couple of photos to show the work these crew undertake. 

Climber airlifted to hospital

 The Swanage and St Albans Coastguard teams were tasked this afternoon to the western mile markers to a climber with a dislocated knee. 

The climber who had been climbing in the amphitheater area had been recovered to a ledge until the emergency services arrived. 

The Coastguard teams set up for a rope rescue but were hampered by thick undergrowth.  The air ambulance attended but with Rescue 175 on route departed to another incident. 

The Coaatguard helicopter arrived and lowered the winchman to the ledge providing medical treatment before airlifting the male to Poole. 

Stay away from the edge

 After the serious incident at Old Harry , the team continued training this week near to where the incident took place. 

The location of last weeks fall which shows how lucky the individual was falling from that height. 

The area the person fell from last week shows the dangers of getting to close to the edge.