Plymouth RNLI Volunteers assist swimmer

The lifeboat launched at 3:44pm and arrived on scene shortly after. Plymouth Coastguard Rescue Team was also tasked to assist. After locating the casualty cold and tired with an incoming tide it was decided to take the casualty onboard and placed in an ambulance blanket to keep warm. Once ashore at Firestone Bay the casualty was placed into the care of the Coastguard Rescue Team.

The lifeboat was released from service and returned to station and made ready for service at 4:22pm.

This service highlights the RNLI safety advice for open water swimming:

• Always check the tide times and heights and keep a look out for incoming tide.

• Always carry a means of calling for help. If in difficulty, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

• Tell someone else where you are going and when you will be back.

• Acclimatise to cold water slowly and enter gradually to reduce the risk of cold water shock.

• Always swim parallel to the shore and not straight out. Cold water and currents can tire you quickly and make it harder to return to shore.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone John Baldry, Plymouth RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07792649768 or [email protected] or Darren Blight, Plymouth RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Deputy Press Officer on 07984399860 or [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

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.

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.