Poole lifeboat was requested to launch by UK Coastguard just before 10am (Friday April 2). The lifeboat volunteers were requested to launch to two paddle boarders, who were on a large paddle board off Lake Pier, they were struggling against a strong tide, drifting in the shallows towards Rockley.
The lifeboat crew arrived on scene and checked that the casualties were well, but they were very cold and tired. The crew transferred them onto the lifeboat and took them back safely ashore at Lake Pier.
As all was well, the lifeboat returned to station, after refuelling and a thorough wash down the lifeboat was ready for service by 11am.
Volunteer Helm Alex Evans said:
‘The paddle boarders had gone out prepared, wearing appropriate clothing, with means of calling for help, which they did, the conditions were quite tricky with the strong tide, so they did the right thing in asking for help.'
Later in the afternoon, the D class inshore lifeboat was tasked just before 4pm, to a yacht that was aground in the Wareham Channel close to Giggers Island.
Even though there was bright sunshine, there was a short chop in the harbour and a fresh north north east wind F2 to 3.
The D class was soon on scene and carried out a welfare check, there was two people on board. The lifeboat crew discussed the options with the occupants, with their well-being being paramount.
The skipper was happy to set an anchor and wait for the tide and as they had provisions were okay to wait it out for high water, which was due around midnight.
The lifeboat headed back to station, after refuelling and a wash down they were ready for service by 5.30pm
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.
