A swimmer who got into trouble at Durdle Door had to be airlifted to safety.

Meanwhile, coastguards have issued a warning reminding people how ‘unforgiving’ the sea can be.

The incident happened yesterday afternoon.

Coastguard received a call at 4pm reporting that a woman had tried to swim through the arch but had been swept onto rocks by the current.

Coastguard rescue teams (CRT) from Lulworth and Kimmeridge were sent to the scene, along with the coastguard rescue helicopter 175, which is based at Lee-on-Solent.

Coastguards winched her from the ledge to the cliff top where she was checked over by one of the Kimmeridge CRT members who is a paramedic.

A holidaymaker from Maidstone in Kent witnessed the rescue from the beach.

Adam Twycross, aged 39, said: “When we first arrived we saw the coastguard turn up and a lot of people on the beach were talking about what happened.

“A woman had apparently been out trying to go through the arch and got into trouble.”

He explained that she managed to climb onto the rocks before the coastguard helicopter attempted to winch her to safety.

He added: “It was quite a long ordeal. It must have lasted around 10 to 15 minutes and got the attention of a lot of people on the beach. Half of them were taking selfies with the helicopter in the background.

“It’s not something you see every day. Kudos to the coastguard for doing what they do best.”

 

Coastguards have since issued a warning reminding people to be safe whilst swimming in the sea.

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.’