Both lifeboats launch to a call for help from two paddleboarders
The lifeboats launched quickly into choppy seas and a strong west south westerly breeze to search for two paddleboarders reported to be 300 meters east of Old Harry Rocks.
As both lifeboats approach the Old Harry Rocks the paddleboarders were spotted and both lifeboats and a yacht who had also responded to the call for help converged on the casualty location.
Two people and their paddleboards were drifting quickly out to sea, having already drifted nearly two miles from South Beach, Studland after one of their paddles had come apart.
Both casualties were taken aboard the inshore lifeboat before being transferred to the all-weather lifeboat where the casualties could take shelter.
The paddleboards were also recovered, and the lifeboats returned to station with the casualties onboard to warm up and meet with the local Coastguard who were also tasked to the incident.
With the casualties safely ashore the lifeboats were refuelled ready for service.
To ensure you are safe when you go paddleboarding the RNLI recommends that you:
- always wear a buoyancy aid
-always carry a means for calling for help and if this is a phone to make sure it is in an easy to access waterproof case
- always have the correct leash for the paddleboard
- avoid going to sea when there are offshore winds
Full safety details can be found on the RNLI website - https://rnli.org/safety/choose-your-activity/stand-up-paddle-boarding
ALB Crew: (Coxn) Gavin Steeden, Steve Williams, Becky Mack, Roydon Woodford, Neil Brooks, Scott Turner
ILB Crew: (Helm) Darren Tomes, Ben Jarvis, Martha Tavinor
Shore Crew: (Head Launcher) Gary Buglass, (Winch) Nigel Bower, Julian Vass, Richard Lloyd, Simon Foote, Jeremy Stein, Neil Collings
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.