Plymouth RNLI assist three men and a dog
Plymouth inshore lifeboat launched on service on 9 April following reports of multiple people in the water after their canoe had capsized in Plymouth Sound.
Our volunteer crew quickly arrived on scene to find the casualties had recovered to the rocks but in need of medical attention. Being the first emergency service on scene our volunteer crew member’s James Scott and Beth Barratt were put ashore by Helm Cameron Hicks to assess and assist with initial first aid.
South West Ambulance service and critical care team from the Devon Air Ambulance arrived shortly after to take over casualty care from the Plymouth RNLI crew. Thanks to Devon and Cornwall Police fire arm unit, MOD Police boat and PCRT for assisting.
Volunteer crew Beth Barratt said “ We were called to reports of three people and a dog in the water off Plymouth Hoe, who turned out to have been paddling a Canadian canoe. It was a windy and choppy day and while trying to turn the canoe, all three and the dog had ended up in the sea. We would always recommend you wear a life jacket when out on the water and take a means of calling for help like a fully charged mobile phone in a waterproof case.”
Inshore Lifeboat returned to station ready for service.
If you see someone else in trouble at the coast, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.
Even if you’re kayaking close to shore, conditions can turn quickly. Wearing a buoyancy aid or lifejacket can make the critical difference.
If you unexpectedly find yourself in the water and you’re wearing a lifejacket, you’re four times more likely to survive
If you find yourself in the water unexpectedly, fight your instincts and float until the effects of cold water shock pass.
Know what to do – visit RNLI.org/safety.
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
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.