By Jake Lanning, West Bay Coastguard

The kids are off school, the weather (so far) has been mostly glorious, the fairground is open, the smell of fish and chips lingers in the air, the seagulls are stealing scraps and the seasonal visitors are here in droves. Summer has arrived.

The coast is notably busier than last year and the team has been equally as busy responding to incidents, patrolling the area and attending all of the summer PR events - most recently West Bay Day and the RNLI Seatown BBQ, both of which were very well organised and enjoyed by all who attended. The search and rescue display at Seatown BBQ by the Lyme Regis Lifeboat and coastguard rescue helicopter is always impressive to watch, and makes me feel very happy that my role as a coastguard rescue officer is mostly land based.

The BBQ was also the scene of the first ever coastguard vs. fire service ‘Roly Poly Horse’ competition, and we thank all of the cheering members of the public who supported us during this brave endeavour. We put up a valiant fight and it was certainly neck-and-neck for a while, but alas, I have to report, that the final coastguard to take part (me) buckled under the pressure and fell into an unsightly heap on the floor, declaring the fire service the overall victors. Sorry team! Rematch booked for September 1 at the Bridport Fire Station open day.

We attended the carnival and torchlight processions and will also be running a PR stand at the Melplash Show and RNLI Fun Day at West Bay. Please come and say hello, learn a little bit more about coastal safety and what we do, and also pick up some excellent learning materials and information. We look forward to seeing you there.