Two people were rescued by a lifeboat crew after their dinghy capsized in blustery conditions in the first of several incidents for lifeboat crews at Swanage yesterday.

Swanage's inshore lifeboat (ILB) was called to rescue two people who were aboard a cataraman sailing dinghy that had capsized about 0.5 nautical miles east of Old Harry Rocks just after 4pm yesterday.

With the blustery offshore wind it was decided to launch the all weather lifeboat (ALB) as well to assist.

However, as the lifeboats were preparing to launch, a report came in of a kayak in difficulties in Studland Bay. The ILB was then sent to assist the kayak, while the ALB crew went to the capsized sailing dinghy.

When the ALB reached the dinghy, it was now the right way up. Although the two people aboard had some damage to one of their sails they were making good progress towards Knoll Beach in Studland. The ALB escorted the dinghy until they were safely in Studland Bay.

Meanwhile, the ILB had met up with the kayak that was in difficulties, they had been brought ashore by a local boat and were safe and well. The ILB then came out and took over the escort duties of the catamaran until they were safely ashore with the volunteers from Swanage Coastguard.

With the ALB about to return to station, a radio call from the RNLI Lifeguards on Swanage beach was overheard. They were reporting a paddleboarder that they were concerned about in Swanage Bay. The paddleboarder was making no progress against the brisk offshore wind and appeared to be struggling.

The ALB was tasked to investigate on their way back to station. Eight minutes later the ALB was alongside the paddleboarder who was tired and emotional. She and her board were brought aboard the lifeboat and she was wrapped in a blanket to dry off as the lifeboat gently motored towards the shore.

The ILB arrived alongside and took the casualty ashore to her waiting partner and Swanage Coastguard.

With multiple situations resolved, the lifeboats returned to their station.