Inshore lifeboat tasked to assist 7 people in difficulties off Old Harry Rocks

The people were on a variety of paddleboards and inflatable kayaks and were struggling in the brisk offshore wind and ebb tide.

Roy Norgrove, the inshore lifeboat, launched and volunteers located the casualties. Two children were taken aboard the lifeboat, and a kayak with two adults on was taken in tow back to Studland. The remaining casualties were then escorted back to safety.

With all the casualties safely ashore in the care of Swanage Coastguard, the inshore lifeboat was released to return to station.

The RNLI and its volunteers urge paddleboarders and kayakers to plan their activities carefully, and always be mindful of the weather, as conditions can change at a moments notice. The RNLI advises to always wear a buoyancy aid when out of the water, inform someone on land where you are going and when you intend to return, and always take a phone, or some form of communication with you, just in case you fall into difficulty and need help.

Key facts about the RNLI

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 142,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

For more information please contact:

Becky Mack, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, [email protected]
Charmaine Tideswell, Volunteer Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer, [email protected]
Regional Media Manager Hatti Mellor, [email protected]

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.

Key facts about the RNLI

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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter 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.