We are fortunate to live on the most beautiful Dorset coastline which attracts thousands of visitors every year coming to enjoy the sun, sand, sea and magnificent views, and to enjoy the many water related leisure activities.
The relative low cost of leisure equipment has made water sports more available than ever which is a very good thing – sports and outdoor activities are beneficial for our well-being – but an increasing number of people take to the water unprepared for the speed at which conditions can change and this has changed the demands placed upon our volunteer lifeboat crews.
Historically, calls for help would likely be the result of a commercial ship in difficulty around the Bill where the Portland Race and the Shambles, known locally for the dangers they present, might catch an unwary sailor, or perhaps a stricken fishing vessel in danger of being driven ashore.
In 1861 Silver Medals were awarded to William Flann and Joseph White in recognition of their gallant services when they put out in a boat and rescued the crew of five from the schooner Norval, which was wrecked on Chesil Beach, Portland, during gale force winds on 30 December 1860
Today we see an increase in the number of incidents involving personal water craft; wind/kite surfers, paddle boards, inflatables and other small craft.
The men and women of our volunteer lifeboat crews are far better equipped now than William and Joseph would have been but the seas remain as challenging and unpredictable as ever, and while our inshore lifeboat, an Atlantic Class 85 named Jack & Phyl Cleare, is designed and equipped to enable us to quickly deploy to inshore incidents we’d sooner not have to!
If you’re planning on water sports as the weather improves, take note of the prevailing conditions; the wind and tide, and ensure someone knows where you plan to go and when you expect to return. Now is a great to to prepare for an enjoyable summer. Just as our crew’s train to achieve the best outcome when called upon please consider training there are many options in Weymouth and Portland to do so.
With the colder January weather it proved to be a relatively quiet month for our volunteers, but that still meant four shouts – thankfully no major incidents.
Upcoming events: an evening of Sea Shanty’s in ‘The Shout’ performed by the fantastic Wareham Whalers, Mayday Miles in April.
For more information follow us on Facebook Weymouth lifeboat station and Weymouth lifeboat fundraising and Instagram #weymouthlifeboat #rnlivolunteers
Stay safe and enjoy our beautiful coastline