There's been a fresh westerly wind in Swanage today - ie from the west, blowing out to sea.
For several users of inflatable dinghies this was great as having taken to their trusty craft they were 100 metres or more off shore in no time at all with hardly any effort at all. Such good rowers, you think they'd join the local rowing club perhaps?
But then the trouble started as soon as they tried to paddle back, because oddly, despite paddling furiously towards the beach they continued to go in the original direction. East. Out to Sea. Next stop the Isle of Wight. or France if you're unlucky.
Three casualties in the space of 45 minutes, one rescued by the inshore lifeboat, one by a passing motorboat and the third by a kind kayaker who put to sea to recover two childeren of about 8 and 10 whilst the parents read the paper on the beach.
There's a message there somewhere: If there's a strong off shore breeze, don't let your kids go off unsupervised in a dinghy. Keep it on a long line, stand alongside it holding on, or stay on the beach and save the dinghy for another day. For six lucky people today there might not have been another day.
Wednesday, 10 August 2011
Tuesday, 9 August 2011
Adder Bite
Don't drink and drown.
A major campaign of the MCA is not to mix alcohol and maritime activities.
Whether its swimming or boating, its like driving a car under the influence and yes you can be breathalised if you are at the helm of a boat and considered drunk.
Coastguard's will be at Studland this weekend coming at the Studland Beer Festival to ensure the event is a success and people stay safe.
Whether its swimming or boating, its like driving a car under the influence and yes you can be breathalised if you are at the helm of a boat and considered drunk.
Coastguard's will be at Studland this weekend coming at the Studland Beer Festival to ensure the event is a success and people stay safe.
Monday, 8 August 2011
Eric's Bus
This converted bus was found parked next to the station on Sunday. The thought of a County named after Eric is something but a technology school!
Sunday, 7 August 2011
What a day
Six incidents later and out for nearly 7 hours the patrol finally gets back to the station.
For those not in Swanage right now, very dark storm clouds are gathering and there has been some lighting in the direction of Corfe Castle.
The incidents today were caused by the wind, capsizing, masts snapped and two of them were caused by owners not setting enough rope/chain on their anchors so their crafts drifted out to sea.
So words of advice today......know the weather and ensure you set your equipment correctly.
For those not in Swanage right now, very dark storm clouds are gathering and there has been some lighting in the direction of Corfe Castle.
The incidents today were caused by the wind, capsizing, masts snapped and two of them were caused by owners not setting enough rope/chain on their anchors so their crafts drifted out to sea.
So words of advice today......know the weather and ensure you set your equipment correctly.
Tom needs some sleep
Poor old Tom, for the 4th night Tom got called out in the early hours to attend an incident.
It was interesting this week to hear from Tom's wife the process that actually happens when Tom's pager goes off......
Tom is woken by his wife......pager going off.
Tom manages to dress himself.
Tom's wife in the mean time has unlocked the door, found the car keys and sent him on his way.
I do wonder if the wife's should actually carry the pagers?
It was interesting this week to hear from Tom's wife the process that actually happens when Tom's pager goes off......
Tom is woken by his wife......pager going off.
Tom manages to dress himself.
Tom's wife in the mean time has unlocked the door, found the car keys and sent him on his way.
I do wonder if the wife's should actually carry the pagers?
Saturday, 6 August 2011
Working together
This afternoons incident shows the close working that goes on behind the scenes.
As usual the Station Officer was out for a walk and stopped at the angling club to speak to the Lifeboat DLA who had been watching a small sailing dinghy close to Peveril.
Linda had been concerned for the safety of the male sat on the bow holding on to the sail, a rather odd thing to be doing. Linda had already spoken to the watch keeper at the National Coast Watch lookout at Peveril Point and asked the boat be kept under observation.
The Station Officer continued up to the lookout and found the watch keeper on the phone to Portland MRCC, handing the phone over the details were confirmed and a local fishing boat spotted who might be able to help.
San Gina Two, skippered by one of the lifeboat crew was called up by Portland Coastguard and kindly agreed to check the sailing dinghy. Along side in minutes Tom confirmed the boat with two people on board was having problems and wanted a tow.
San Gina Two towed the boat into the boat park to be met by the IRT where words of advice (especially around the wearing of life jackets!) were given.
As usual the Station Officer was out for a walk and stopped at the angling club to speak to the Lifeboat DLA who had been watching a small sailing dinghy close to Peveril.
Linda had been concerned for the safety of the male sat on the bow holding on to the sail, a rather odd thing to be doing. Linda had already spoken to the watch keeper at the National Coast Watch lookout at Peveril Point and asked the boat be kept under observation.
The Station Officer continued up to the lookout and found the watch keeper on the phone to Portland MRCC, handing the phone over the details were confirmed and a local fishing boat spotted who might be able to help.
San Gina Two, skippered by one of the lifeboat crew was called up by Portland Coastguard and kindly agreed to check the sailing dinghy. Along side in minutes Tom confirmed the boat with two people on board was having problems and wanted a tow.
San Gina Two towed the boat into the boat park to be met by the IRT where words of advice (especially around the wearing of life jackets!) were given.
Stats
As of this morning we are unto 80 incidents , this compares to 100 at the same time last year.
Regular readers will remember that last year was our busiest year ever with 165 call outs. In a 'normal year' we have about 110-120 call outs.
Regular readers will remember that last year was our busiest year ever with 165 call outs. In a 'normal year' we have about 110-120 call outs.
Friday, 5 August 2011
Red Arrows
Well if you weren't in Swanage then you missed a really good show, the bay was packed with boats and the Downs and Sea Front packed........
Thankfully it all passed off peacefully for everyone and no Coastguard incidents to report.
Thankfully it all passed off peacefully for everyone and no Coastguard incidents to report.
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