Weymouth RNLI lifeboat aids tombstoning casualties
Lifeboat launched following reports from Solent Coastguard of several people in need of medical assistance after tombstoning off of the arch at Durdle Door Beach.
Weymouth RNLI Inshore lifeboat with two casualty care trained crew on board was launched at 4.06pm on Saturday 30th May 2020.
On scene at 4.23pm a quick search of the sea around the beach was carried out to check if there was anyone else in the water, after which the two casualty care trained volunteer crew members, dressed in full PPE, were put ashore on the crowded beach and helped with a male causality with serious spinal injuries.
At this time, in addition to the lifeboat there were two helicopters which had landed on the beach along with a strong presence of Coastguards, Police and Ambulance paramedics.
A total of three causalities' were being treated for serious injuries by Paramedics and lifeboat crew. Two of the causality's were taken to hospital by helicopter while the third was transferred by ambulance.
The lifeboat was released at 6.20pm and returned to station at 6.40pm where it was refuelled and made ready for the next shout.
Jumping into the sea from height, or 'tombstoning' is extremely dangerous. The water may be shallower than it looks. Submerged rocks may not be visible - these can cause serious injury or paralysis. The shock of cold water can make it difficult to swim, and a strong tidal flow can easily sweep a person away.
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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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