When the wind blows

 A very busy day for the Coastguard not only in Swanage and Studland but right across Dorset today (Sunday). 

The patrol were at Studland when the strong offshore wind started to cause problems with several incidents in very quick succession. 

They spotted two inflatable kayakers struggling off Studland and via the control room requested lifeboat assistance.  Poole RNLI lifeboat was tasked to bring them ashore. As the lifeboat arrived a further large paddle board with four people on it was spotted also struggling so again the lifeboat was tasked to assist. 

Two people were then spotted on a double kayak in the main shipping channel were then assisted and brought ashore to the team. 

The full team were then requested for a medical incident at Studland and with a very busy ferry road the team arrived to assist the ambulance crew. 

Both Swanage RNLI lifeboats and the Rescue helicopter from Lee on Solent ‘Rescue 175’ were tasked to Swanage bay for two  young men blown out towards Ballard Point. The Coastguard team proceed to Ballard Down to search from the high ground when news came in that a local boat owner had located the pair and with the help of the ILB brought them ashore to the Mowlem to be met by the Coastguard team. 

Whilst this was happening other members of the Coastguard team had stayed in Studland and spotted another paddle board with two ladies on board being blown out to sea at Knoll Beach.  With the help of a local boat owner the pair were brought ashore for some safety advice. 

The team regrouped back at Studland and again a further paddleboarder was assisted ashore with the strong wind at a knoll beach.

Having been out for nearly five hours the team stood down however just before 8pm both Swanage and St Albans Coastguard teams and RNLI lifeboats were tasked to the Stone Quay for a report of a person in the water.  After some enquires and eye witness accounts it was confirmed they were safe. 

A lot of safety advice was given out today with regard the strong offshore wind and equipment when using paddle boards.  In a maritime emergency dial 999 and ask for Coastguard.