DURING a patrol the Swanage Coastguard team spotted four paddle boarders in Shell Bay trying to get back to shore in a strong offshore breeze.

With several commercial vessels leaving the harbour the four were drifting back towards the shipping lanes and potential danger.

Both Dorset Police marine section vessels returning to port were immediately requested to attend to provide assistance and get the four out of danger.

The last person and board were recovered on to the police boat less than a minute before the commercial vessel passed.

The four were brought ashore and met by the team to ensure they were safe and given some safety advice on the dangers and safety equipment they should have had.

The patrol also dealt with a medical incident at South Beach, four inflatable kayakers monitored off Knoll Beach and assisted another kayaker at Shell Bay.