Swanage RNLI lifeboats launch to assist people in the water near Dancing Ledge

Both lifeboats launched at 3.45pm and made best speed to the scene.

The all-weather lifeboat arrived first and recovered eight people from the water.

The inshore lifeboat arrived moments later and put three volunteer lifeboat crew ashore to assist with the treatment of a ninth person who had been recovered ashore to a lower ledge.

UK Coastguard and Dorset & Somerset air ambulance were also in attendance alongside the volunteers of the Swanage lifeboat crew.

The UK Coastguard helicopter arrived on scene to airlift the ninth person from the lower ledge to a position where further treatment could be received from waiting paramedics.

The all-weather lifeboat returned the eight casualties recovered from the water to Swanage Lifeboat Station at 5pm. These casualties were treated for effects of the cold. The all-weather lifeboat then returned to the scene before both lifeboats were stood down shortly after.

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For more information please telephone Rebecca Mack, Swanage RNLI Volunteer Press Officer on 07812 558487 or at [email protected]

Paul Dunt RNLI Regional Media Officer, South East and London (07785) 296252 [email protected]

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The RNLI charity 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 146,000 lives.

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