Two paddleboarders and two dogs were rescued after being swept offshore. 

Volunteers from Weymouth Lifeboat station were called out at 4pm yesterday, Saturday June 1, to help two female paddleboarders and two dogs at the East of Lulworth Cove.

The coastguard reported they were unable to return to shore due to North-North Easterly winds and an offshore tide.

The lifeboat, Jack and Phyl Cleare, located the people who were found “cold but fit and well” almost a mile offshore.

The crew determined that the paddleboarders would have been unable to make it back unaided and were set ashore into the care of Lulworth Coastguard Rescue Team in the cove. 

A spokesperson for Weymouth Lifeboat station said: "Our inshore lifeboat crew aboard Jack and Phyl Cleare, our D class, launched at 4pm to reports of two female paddle boarders East of Lulworth Cove.

"The coastguard reported two persons (plus two dogs) unable to return to shore due to the North-North Easterly winds and an offshore tide.

"Upon locating the people they were recovered cold but fit and well almost a mile offshore, and definitely unable to make it ashore unaided.

"They were set ashore into the care of Lulworth Coastguard Rescue Team in the cove. 

"The crew returned to station and the inshore lifeboat was cleaned down and made ready.

"We strongly advise you avoid offshore winds, and check the tides, before setting off on any form of watercraft.

"Offshore winds are winds that are blowing from the beach or shore out to sea. Often with offshore winds the water looks idyllic and calm however this can be deceptive as offshore winds will quickly blow you and your paddleboard far out to sea, which can make it extremely tiring and difficult to paddle back to shore.

"If you are on a lifeguarded beach, keep an eye out for the orange windsock to see which way the wind is blowing."