Children helped from yacht and paddleboarders rescued during Dorset Police Marine patrols

Officers went out last weekend to be a 'visible presence on the water'

Author: Faye TryhornPublished 26th Jul 2022

Four paddle boarders have been rescued after getting into difficulty in the main shipping lane into Poole Harbour.

They were helped by Dorset Police's Marine Team during a special weekend of patrols along the Dorset coast.

Officers also safeguarded children that had been onboard a sinking yacht that was towed back to Poole Harbour.

150 jet skiers were spoken to about byelaws and speed limits on slipways in Weymouth and Poole too.

Officers spent the weekend patrolling the seas along the Dorset coastline

Sergeant Ryan Prater, of the Marine Force Support Group, said:

“We’d like to thank HM Coastguard officers who were working with our marine engagement team at the time for alerting us to this potentially life-threatening incident.

“On Sunday 24 July 2022, our officers also responded to a sinking yacht alongside RNLI colleagues where we towed the boat back to Poole Harbour and safeguarded children onboard.

“Before heading out on the water, you should be aware of the current and expected changes in buoyage, tides, sea and weather conditions.”

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick, said:

“I am pleased to see Op Seagoing taking the fight against ASB beyond the shoreline. Residents and visitors should be able to enjoy our county, its shores, and waters without being affected by ASB. The issue is that ASB on the water could end in tragedy for those involved and affected. We have a spectacular coastline with amazing wildlife and ASB could compromise that too, ruining it for future residents and visitors.

“Cutting ASB is a priority of my Police and Crime Plan, so I would like to thank every police officer, staff member and the many partners involved in this operation for helping ensure that we can all have a safe and fun summer in Dorset.”

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