Swimmer winched to safety after getting into trouble at Durdle Door, Dorset

HM Coastguard coordinated the search and rescue after a swimmer got into difficulties and had to be airlifted from a ledge at Durdle Door, Dorset.

The call came in just after 4pm yesterday (23) reporting that the woman had tried to swim through the arch but had been swept onto the rocks by the current.

Lulworth and Kimmeridge Coastguard Rescue Teams were sent, along with the HM Coastguard helicopter based at Lee-on-Solent. The helicopter winched her from the ledge, returning to her to the cliff top where she was checked over by one of the Kimmeridge CRT members who is a paramedic.

Duty controller for HM Coastguard, Duncan Ley, said: ‘This is one of those incidents which provides a stark reminder of how unforgiving the sea can be. What starts off seemingly as a fun swim can soon change. Tides, currents and even a sudden weather change, can make what seem an ordinary swim, suddenly very dangerous. We want everyone to enjoy their day at the coast, but we also want them to come home safely.

‘When swimming, stay within your depth. If you get caught in strong current or rip current try to stay as calm as you can, raise your hand and shout for help. If you can’t immediately get help, try and swim parallel to the beach until you’re out of trouble then swim to the shore. If you can stand up, wade instead of swimming.


‘If you see someone in trouble call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. We strongly advise people not to attempt rescue themselves but to call us.’

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