Wells RNLI tasked to reports of group at risk of being cut off by the tide

The group had been spotted on the extremity of the foreshore in the area of Wells Harbour buoys No.1 and No.2 as the tide continued to flood.

Wells RNLI inshore lifeboat Peter Wilcox, with a crew of three volunteers on board, left the boathouse at 2.10pm and was in the process of launching into the harbour channel when volunteers from the National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) at Wells reported that the group had safely made their way back to the main beach.

With the casualties no longer in danger, the launch was stood down and the inshore lifeboat was rehoused and ready again for service by 2.20pm.

Due to the large number of visitors enjoying the beach and warm weather, Wells RNLI volunteers continued to monitor the area to ensure no other beachgoers were at risk from the rapidly rising tide.

Mandy Humphreys, Wells RNLI Water Safety Officer, said: ‘The North Norfolk coast is beautiful, but it can also be deceptive. Tides can rise quickly and channels can fill faster than people expect, leaving them cut off with very little warning.

‘We encourage everyone visiting the coast to check tide times before setting out and to return to safe ground well before the tide starts to come in. At Wells, we advise people to be back on dry land at least four hours before Wells Bar high tide. The coastline is constantly changing and even the most experienced visitors can get caught out.

‘If you do see someone in difficulty on the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.’

Wells RNLI would like to thank the volunteers at NCI Wells for their vigilance and continued support in helping keep people safe along the North Norfolk coast.

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Jess Curtis, Wells RNLI Volunteer Press Officer [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

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