Rough weather search for swimmer at Lyme Regis

Initially volunteers joined coastguard colleagues in searching the surf line before launching their Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat Spirit of Loch Fyne at 6:56pm to search further offshore. The Shannon class all weather lifeboat R and J Welburn from Exmouth RNLI and a UK Coastguard helicopter also took part in the search.

Lyme Regis RNLI volunteer Launch Authority Matt Adamson-Drage said, ‘We believe this to be a false alarm with good intent. A swimmer was seen entering the rough water but was not noticed leaving it. We searched along the coast and found nothing. To be sure there was no one in difficulty both lifeboats and a UK Coastguard helicopter also searched further out to sea. We are very grateful to the volunteer crew from Exmouth RNLI and UK Coastguard for their assistance in the search.’

After an hour of searching with nothing found both lifeboats and the helicopter were stood down by UK Coastguard.

The RNLI advises swimmers not to enter rough water and not to swim alone. Always wear a brightly coloured swim hat and consider using a tow float to increase your visibility in the water. Always carry a means of calling for help and tell someone where you are going and when you will be back.

Ends

Notes to editors

• A photo of Lyme Regis RNLI Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat Spirit of Loch Fyne at sea. Photo credit: RNLI/Max Redwood

• A photo of Exmouth RNLI Shannon class all weather lifeboat R and J Welburn at sea. Photo credit: RNLI

RNLI media contacts

For more information, please contact Nick Marks volunteer deputy lifeboat press officer at Lyme Regis Lifeboat Station on 07568 187582 or [email protected] or Emma Haines, Regional Communications Manager, on 07786 668847 or [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.