The lifeboat volunteers have had a busy time, launching 10 times in June including to motor vessels, paddleboarders, walkers, yachts and for a medical evacuation.
We also welcome the RNLI Lifeguards to Swanage beach as we enter the busy summer season. Please head to the lifeguarded area where flags will indicate the patrolled swimming area and our lifeguards are in attendance to share safety advice, provide first aid to those who need it, and save the lives of those who get in trouble in the water.
June also saw our lifeboat Coxswain Dave Turnbull and crew members Rob Aggas, Tom Greasty, Phil Palmer, Andy Redout and Sam Aggas awarded a Chief Executives Commendation following a lifesaving rescue they attended on 22 July 2023 in strong winds and rough seas.
It was the third tasking on the evening of the Rolex Fastnet Race 2023. The Swanage all-weather lifeboat was tasked to a casualty who had suffered a head injury, been knocked overboard and then dragged through the water by their lifeline until the yacht’s crew could get them back onboard.
Our Launch Authority on the day, George Wallace said “After already having spent several hours at sea that same day, the Coxswain and crew demonstrated outstanding seamanship in challenging, deteriorating conditions over the evening, with the wind reaching gale force gusts and the seas building as it approached high tide with breaking waves in excess of 4 meters. The Coxswain brought the boats together several times over the course of the rescue to transfer people and kit during which neither boat was damaged and no harm to personnel occurred. It is fitting that the dedicated training and commitment of these volunteers was recognised” .
Chief Executive, Mark Dowie said “I would like to express my sincere thanks on behalf of the RNLI for your dedicated service to Swanage Lifeboat Station. To Dave Turnbull I would particularly like to commend your skilful boat handling in such challenging conditions, which enabled personnel and medical equipment to be safely transferred to the casualty vessel. As a result of your and your crew’s actions, one life was saved”.
