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Walmer RNLI volunteers launch to swimmers in difficulty
Following a number of calls to HM Coastguard, Walmer’s D Class lifeboat Duggie Rodbard II launched at 12.15pm yesterday afternoon, 14 September to two swimmers off Deal Pier.
The two were reportedly struggling against the tide and making no headway by concerned onlookers on the pier.
Crew took both swimmers on board the lifeboat, gave them each a thermal blanket against the cold and returned them to the beach opposite the Timeball Tower in Deal where, after an initial health check, they were handed into the care of the Deal Coastguard Rescue Team.
Helm Dan Sinclair said:’ After spotting the two swimmers in the water, on arrival, we noticed that one of them was suffering from the cold with their lips turning blue. I explained to them that with the current and tide, they had been in danger of being swept further offshore.’
The lifeboat was recovered back at station at 12.34pm and made ready for service.
RNLI Media Contacts
Christopher Winslade, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer Walmer Lifeboat Station 01304 374475, [email protected]
Stella Sims, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for London and South East England, 07483 316675, [email protected]
Sam Haddad, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for London and South East England, 01202 137713, [email protected]
Julie Rainey, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for London and South East England, 07827 358256, [email protected]
RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 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.