Both Burnham-on-Sea RNLI lifeboats launched to persons reported cut off by tide
Burnham-on-Sea RNLI volunteers launched both lifeboats at 4.03pm yesterday (8 Feb) after persons were reported to be cut off by the tide, on the south side of Brean Down.
On arrival at the casualty area, lifeboat crew discovered two properly equipped climbers, busy scaling the cliff edge after previously absailing down.
Volunteer helm Nick Edrich challenged the climbers to ensure they were not in distress, before contacting Milford Haven Coastguard control. The volunteers were stood down and returned the lifeboats to Burnham slipway for recovery by the station shore team
Nick said; ‘With the dropping temperature, this could have been a serious situation. However, the climbers did not need rescuing.'
Lifeboat Press Officer Mike Lang added; ‘It would have been helpful if the climbers had contacted HM Coastguard before starting their exercise. However, this was a false alarm with good intention
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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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