Bembridge RNLI busy at this evening's St Helens Fort Walk
'RNLB Norman Harvey' (D-Class 778) rescued three children during this Year's St Helens Fort Walk
Unfortunately, the male left the scene without leaving any details with the Coastguard and without the girls being checked over medically. An appeal was therefore been issued through the Island Echo for them to medically checked over as soon as possible as they had probably ingested a quantity of water when they had gone under water and they were therefore at risk from 'secondary drowning'.
ILB senior helmsman Andy Sibley said 'fortunately we were in the right place at the right time and were able to rescue the two children but it is very important that they get checked over as soon as possible.'
John Keyworth, Lifeboat Operations Manager Bembridge RNLI said 'Andy and crew member Fred Milne who rescued the second child both acted instinctively and deserve great credit for their quick reactions.'
In a separate incident a child, initially thought to be suffering from anaphylactic shock was brought back to the Lifeboat Station and handed over to a waiting ambulance.
The St Helens Fort Walk is an annual 'happening' and estimates are that this year there were over 3,500 people 'walking'. As a 'happening', no one claims any responsibility for it; likely dates (the best evening low water in August) are not officially published but increasingly find their way onto social media. Bembridge RNLI issues safety advice prior to the likely date and both Bembridge local Coastguard team and Bembridge RNLI's D-Class Inshore Lifeboat normally provide a safety presence over the period that access to the Fort from the shore is possible.RNLI media contacts
Mike Samuelson, Bembridge RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, on 07785 593254 or [email protected]
Paul Dunt, RNLI Press Officer London/East/South East) on 0207 6207416, 07785 296252 [email protected]
For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789
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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