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Lifeboat diverted from training to assist search for paddleboarders

Lifeboats News Release

Out on Wednesday training, the Swanage all-weather lifeboat (ALB) heard a tasking for Mudeford lifeboat that was only a short distance from their current position.

Swanage Shannon class lifeboat, Geroge Thomas Lacy near Old Harry Rocks

RNLI

Swanage Shannon class lifeboat, Geroge Thomas Lacy
A member of the public had alerted the UK coastguard to two paddleboarders that may have been in trouble off Branksome Chime. As Mudeford lifeboat closed to the reported position from the east, Swanage did the same from the west and quickly located a single boarder who was making his way back to Bournemouth. He was not in trouble and his colleague had already beached by Bournemouth Pier.

After a quick run along the beach from the pier towards Sandbanks to check for any other possibly people in difficulty, both lifeboats were released and training continued.

ALB Crew: (Coxn) Gavin Steeden, Steve Williams, Dan Lander, Alice Haw, Alan Parmenter, Neil Brooks
Shore Crew: (Head Launcher) Dave Turnbull, (Winchman) Gary Buglass, Duncan Youngs, Paul Meacham

RNLI volunteer media contact

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

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.

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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.

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