Swimmer assisted by Margate RNLI
A swimmer has been landed ashore off the north Kent coast by Margate RNLI this evening following concerns for his safety.
UK Coastguard requested that Margate RNLI’s inshore lifeboat be brought to immediate readiness earlier this evening (Sunday 4 August) after it received a report of a swimmer some distance seawards of Margate harbour possibly in difficulties. Margate Coastguard Rescue Team was also tasked.
Upon their arrival at the lifeboat station, the lifeboat crew observed the swimmer and it was agreed that the inshore lifeboat should launch to assess his situation. Once on scene the swimmer was taken on board the lifeboat and landed back at the boathouse where he received casualty care for jellyfish stings and signs of hypothermia. An ambulance had been tasked to the lifeboat station and after being checked over by paramedics the swimmer was released.
Peter Barker, Deputy Launching Authority, Margate RNLI said: “While we are experiencing a warm spell of weather the sea remains relatively cold. We urge swimmers to swim parallel to and close to the shore and not directly out to sea. If you encounter difficulties while swimming follow the RNLI’s ‘How to Float’ advice (see https://www.respectthewater.com/ ), wave your arms and shout for help. If you are ashore and see anything untoward dial 999 and ask for coastguard.”
ENDS
RNLI Media contacts
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Peter Barker, RNLI Margate Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer 07974 064304 [email protected]
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Paul Dunt, Regional Media Officer (SouthEast), 0207 6207416, 07786 668825 [email protected]
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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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