Blackpool RNLI volunteers rescue teen as inflatable is blown off shore

The casualty was enjoying a day at the beach with her family when the inflatable she was using was blown out to sea opposite Blackpool Tower. The casualty’s dad started to swim after the inflatable in an attempt to bring it back to shore but turned back when he realised that the breeze and tide were carrying it away too quickly.

Fortunately the emergency services had already been called and both of Blackpool’s D class lifeboats were quickly on scene. One D class lifeboat headed straight to the inflatable which was approximately one mile offshore. The casualty was taken on board the lifeboat and reunited with her very relieved family.

Meanwhile the volunteer crew of the second D class lifeboat carried out a short search to confirm that the casualty’s dad had reached safety, once he had been located they were about to recover the lifeboat when they were alerted to another inflatable that was drifting away from shore. Fortunately nobody was on the second inflatable. The volunteer lifeboat crew carried out a safety check from Gynn Square to Squires Gate to ensure everyone was safe before returning to the lifeboat station.

Keith Horrocks MBE volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager said ‘The beach is a fantastic place to spend time, especially when the weather is good but we would urge anyone who is planning a day out at the beach to check the weather forecast and tide times in advance, keep an eye on your surroundings and the direction of the tide at all times and always call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard if you get into difficulty or see anything that gives you cause for concern.

The last month has been particularly busy for us; this is our second call out in less than twenty four hours and our 13^th call out in June. I’m really proud of all of the volunteers at the station, they’re on call 24/7, 365 days of the year and they drop everything when their pagers go off to ensure incidents like today’s call out have a positive outcome.’

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Esther Lowe Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, RNLI Blackpool on 01253 508603 or 07917091948.

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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