Lymington Coastguard Rescue Team

31/05/2026

May Roundup

May started with a successful rope rescue to recover a dog from the bottom of a cliff. As the month went on, the pace quickly picked up and the pager started to sound daily — sometimes more than once a day — making it our busiest month of the year so far.

The team responded to a wide range of incidents including searches, mud and rope rescues, helping injured and stranded individuals to safety, and assisting vulnerable people.

During the month we worked with our flank teams at Southbourne and Hill Head, as well as Coastguard Rescue Teams from Hayling Island, Portsmouth and Poole. We were also supported by the Coastguard helicopter and worked alongside the RNLI and independent lifeboats, police, fire service, ambulance service, Air Ambulance, HART, BASICS paramedics and Community First Responders.

Away from operational callouts, team training and public engagement continued to maintain standards, strengthen partnerships and support our local community.

In an emergency at the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard

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29/05/2026

Hot weather and busy beaches can be disorientating for younger children.

It’s not uncommon for little ones to get lost in crowds, but these tips can help reunite you if you do become separated:

Take a photo on arrival so you have an up-to-date reference to show authorities (and a handy reminder of what they were wearing) 📸

Agree a meeting point if you get lost 📍

Use beach wristbands and write your contact number on them so you can be called and reunited if you get separated 🙋

Make sure that everyone in the group knows to call 999 if they’re in trouble 📞

Wristbands can be ordered from our web shop for free. Get yours here: bit.ly/HMCGwristbands

25/05/2026

It’s a stunning day out there today! ☀️

Enjoy the sunshine, but don’t let the good weather tempt you into taking risks in or near the coast.🌊

Before you head out:
• Check tides and local conditions
• Tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to return
• Avoid going alone where possible
• Carry a means of communication such as a VHF radio or fully charged mobile phone

If you, or anyone else, gets into trouble at the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Have a great day and stay safe.

23/05/2026

After a few very busy days with a range of shouts, part of the team spent today at the Emergency Services Day at Gang Warily.

We had a fantastic time meeting lots of great people, sharing messages about how to stay safe and what to do in an emergency along the coast. While at the event, we remained fully operational and ready to respond if needed.

A special mention goes to our mascot, Colin the Coastguard, who entered the mascot competition for the very first time and came a very respectable 2nd place! 🏅

It was a very hot day, but great fun was had by all. Thanks to everyone who came along to say hello and support the event! ☀️

23/05/2026

Taking a dip in the sea on a hot day? ⛱️

Don’t be fooled, just because it’s sunny doesn’t mean the water is warm.

Entering cold water, whether deliberately or accidentally, can cause cold water shock.

When this happens, you may gasp involuntarily, followed by rapid breathing that can be very difficult to control. This can increase the risk of inhaling water and drowning.

Never jump straight in. Instead, enter the water slowly to help your body adjust, and avoid swimming alone. Wearing a wetsuit can also help by improving buoyancy and reducing the effects of cold water.

Don’t forget to have warm clothes ready for when you come back to shore.

In an emergency at the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

21/05/2026

During both searches and rescues we work with people from all sorts of backgrounds including neurodivergant individuals.It is important that we adapt our communication and approach to ensure everyone feels safe whilst also ensuring the correct processes are always followed.

The team were very lucky to attend Fortune College’s Emergency Services Day, where we met neurodivergent students and their teachers. It was a fantastic opportunity to learn from each other, helping us better understand how to make emergency situations less daunting and how best to support those involved.

We met some truly inspiring people and everyone learnt a lot while having some fun along the way.

20/05/2026

16/05/2026

On Friday this week, we took part in water rescue training led by full-time officers.
It was a great opportunity to refresh existing skills, learn new techniques, and make sure we’re ready to use them when needed. A valuable session with plenty of hands-on practice throughout.

14/05/2026

🚨 Countdown is on to Emergency Services Day at Gangwarily🚨

Join us on Saturday 23rd May and cheer on our mascot Colin the Coastguard as he takes on the mascot competitions 🛟🏆

Come and meet the team, learn more about what we do, and discover how the Coastguard helps keep people safe along our coastline.

12/05/2026

The weather can’t make up its mind at the moment, which is worth keeping in mind when planning time at the coast.

If you are planning a trip to the beach or other coastal area, check conditions before you go and keep an eye on them throughout your visit.

A calm start can quickly become cold, windy and more challenging with a change in wind speed or direction.

If you get into trouble at the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.