Ilfracombe RNLI lifeboat rescues mother and daughter cut off by the tide

Ilfracombe RNLI inshore lifeboat (ILB) Deborah Brown II launched to a mother and daughter cut off by the tide. Several members of the public altered the Coastguards to the casualties who immediately tasked the volunteer lifeboat crew.

Once on scene, volunteer crew member Andy Day swam ashore to the pair to reassure them. Due to the two metre surf, it was decided another crew member was needed to assist the casualties into the lifeboat. The ILB returned to the station to pick up volunteer crew member Mark Weeks whilst Andy remained ashore with the casualties.

Once back on scene, Mark swam ashore and together with Andy helped the casualties individually through the breaking surf and to swim across to the boat. Once both casualties and their possessions were safely aboard the ILB, they returned to Ilfracombe Lifeboat Station.

Leigh Hanks, RNLI Mechanic at Ilfracombe, said:

‘This was a difficult position for the casualties to find themselves in. We are currently experiencing high spring tides meaning they became trapped very quickly. If you are visiting the coast, always check the tide times before setting out as tide and weather conditions can change very quickly. Whilst you are at the beach, be aware of your surroundings and the tide’s direction.’

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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