Night launch for Penarth RNLI after young woman falls into the water
Penarth RNLI volunteers raced to help a young woman who had accidentally fallen into the sea at Penarth Esplanade.
Milford Haven Coastguard requested the launch of Penarth's D-class lifeboat shortly after 9.20pm last night (10 October 2018).
A group of friends had been sitting near the railings on Penarth Esplanade when one young woman fell backwards into the water. The alarm was raised by her friends, and they, together with members of the public and a Penarth RNLI volunteer provided assistance.
A throw line was used to reach the casualty, and lifejackets were obtained from the lifeboat station.The young woman was struggling to hold on, and with high spring tides the RNLI crew member entered the water to fit her lifejacket and support her, knowing that the lifeboat crew had been paged and were on their way.
The D-class lifeboat was launched very quickly, and brought the casualty and the Penarth crew member safely back to the station.
A medical check was carried out on both, and although cold and wet they were deemed fit and well.
Jason Dunlop, Penarth RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager paid tribute to all those involved:
'With such a high tide, in darkness and in cold water, the casualty could have easily drifted out of sight. By hanging on as she did and with the support of everyone involved the rescue was affected quickly and safely.'
Media Contacts
For further information please contact Andy Berry LPO Penarth 07951 051128
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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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