Swanage Lifeboat launches in gale force winds.

At 10:50pm pagers sounded and the volunteer crew members made their way to the station. By 11:03pm Swanage's Shannon class lifeboat was on the water and making best speed towards Bournemouth pier. Two people had been seen entering the water. Swanage ALB was required to support Poole and Mudeford lifeboats due to the rough sea conditions and high winds.

Thankfully, as the lifeboat was about to arrive on scene, reports came through that the people were safely back on the beach and in the care of HM Coastguard Rescue Teams and the SW Ambulance Service.

All lifeboats were stood down and Swanage ALB made its way back through substantial waves and swell towards its home port. By 11:43pm the boat and crew were back on the slipway preparing the boat for its next service.

RNLI Media Contacts

Becky Mack, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI South East, [email protected]

Stella Sims, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for London and South East England, 07483 316675, [email protected]

Sam Haddad, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for London and South East England, 01202 137713, [email protected]

Julie Rainey, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for London and South East England, 07827 358256, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

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.

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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.