Chiswick RNLI lifeboat crew advise children about inflatables safety

When the lifeboat arrived the children were still on the foreshore and were now with a parent who had recently arrived.

She was not happy at the boys’ plans and asked the lifeboat crew to speak to them. RNLI Helmsman Gary Tiller brought the lifeboat up to the shore and RNLI volunteer James Anthony talked to the children about the risks of playing in the river; at that time the spring tide was running at over four knots.

Gary commented: ‘Had they gone afloat in a tiny inflatable they would not have been able to control it and would have been swept away by the spring tide and then exposed to the risk of running into the many moored craft and other obstructions along the river.’

James Anthony, volunteer lifeboat crew member, said: 'I commend these boys for getting out and about amongst nature - many young people are content to play on their mobile phones or games consoles, and with all that time spent staring at a screen they miss out on their natural environment around them. That said, the river can be a very hazardous place if people are not careful and don’t respect the water.

'There are safe ways to enjoy it though, and I'd suggest they could think about joining a local canoe club or the Sea Scouts based at Chiswick Pier, where water activities are well supervised and proper safety equipment is provided.'

The RNLI is promoting its Respect the Water campaign this summer. Adam Robson, RNLI Community Incident Reduction Manager, commented: 'As the summer holidays approach we are prepared for younger people using the River Thames as a source of entertainment. We want to emphasise that the river can be dangerous with strong tidal currents and cold water shock posing a serious risk to life.

‘We always like to see people using the river recreationally however we want to urge people to take care and make themselves aware of the dangers the water can pose and know what to do if you do find yourself in trouble.’

For more information head to www.rnli.org.uk/respectthewater or search online for Port of London Authority.

Chiswick RNLI Lifeboat is the second busiest in the UK and Ireland; since starting service in 2002, has attended over 2900 incidents and rescued over 1500 people.

Notes to editors

•      The RNLI has 235 lifeboat stations including four on the Thames. Chiswick RNLI lifeboat became operational on the 2nd January 2002. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to www.chiswicklifeboat.org.uk  or http://www.facebook.com/ChiswickRNLI

•      The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and Government and is entirely supported by voluntary contributions.

•      For more information, video or photos contact David Clarke, Chiswick RNLI Volunteer Press Officer on 0795 121 0500

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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 146,000 lives.

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