Six calls for Shoreham RNLI inshore lifeboat in three days
The D-class inshore lifeboat crews were kept busy in the recent hot and stormy weather particularly on Saturday 18 June when the windy conditions caught a few people out.
The crew launched at 4.45pm to a windsurfer in difficulty off Hove Lagoon. The casualty was assisted by another vessel on scene but the lifeboat crew ensured they were safe and well before they were tasked to three people in a small rigid inflatable craft with engine failure two miles south west of Shoreham Harbour.
They all wet and cold so then crew brought them back to the lifeboat station before returning to recover their craft.
While it was under tow, the lifeboat was then re-tasked to a kayak in difficulty at south Lancing. The vessel was left at anchor and the crew quickly located a father and his young daughter holding on to an upturned kayak that was being blown out to sea. The crew rescued them and landed them ashore into the care of the coastguard team and an ambulance crew who checked the girl over as she was very cold and shaken.
The crew then collected the rigid inflatable boat left at anchor and returned to station.
The inshore lifeboat was also launched on Thursday 16 June just after 11pm to a report of a woman in the water in distress at Worthing Pier. On route it was established that had come out of the water and was in the care of the emergency services.
It was then called again on Friday 17 June at 10pm to assist Brighton lifeboat with a report of five people in distress in the water near the Brighton Pier. While on route to the location, it was established that one person had gone into the water in distress and four other who were on the beach went into the water to try and help her. All five people managed to get ashore ok and were checked over by police and ambulance services.
We advise that if you intend going out on the water
Check:
Weather conditions and tides
Your phone is charged and you have the correct equipment
Tell someone your plans
Leave the inflatables for the pool
Phone 999 & ask for the coastguard if you need help
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 142,700 lives.
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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.