Ramsgate RNLI sent to the assistance of four children swept out to sea
On a warm afternoon on Sunday 16 September, the Ramsgate inshore lifeboat was called out by HM Coastguard to reports of four children on an inflatable flamingo swept out to sea off Broadstairs Viking Bay.
On arrival at the scene, the volunteer crew of the Claire and David Delves inshore lifeboat found that a parent in an inflatable canoe had managed to reach the children, whilst another parent had swum out to assist.
Two of the children were taken onboard the canoe and then the parent managed to tow the inflatable back to the shore, whilst the inshore lifeboat stood off in case it was required. Once everyone was safely ashore the crew returned to station at Ramsgate.
When the sun is shining, the beach is a great place to go however blow-up toys and airbeds are designed for pools, not the sea where they can easily be swept out. If you do use them at the beach, then:
* Ensure children are closely supervised
* Keep near the shore
* Only use between the red and yellow flags
* Follow the lifeguard’s advice
* Do not take out in big waves
* Never use them when orange windsock is flying, as this indicates offshore winds which will blow inflatables further out to sea
Media Contacts
Karen Cox Volunteer Local Press Officer email [email protected] 07779 848431
Paul Dunt RNLI Regional Media Officer London and South East email [email protected] tel 07785 296252.
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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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.