Clacton RNLI’s volunteers respond to reports of a stranded jet skier

At 4.30pm August 11, by request of UK Coastguard the D class inshore lifeboat, Arthur Hamilton, was launched on to a moderate sea with a 10mph south westerly wind, after reports had been received of a jet skier stuck in the mud near Point Clear.

After a choppy passage, the volunteer crew of the RNLI Lifeboat located the stricken jet ski at the northern end of Ray Creek, near Point Clear. The casualty was towed to Point Clear, where they were met by the Coastguard mobile unit. An ambulance had been requested by the helmsman due to the length of time the jet skier had been stranded in the open, and a language barrier made it very difficult for the crew to undertake a proper assessment. One of the coastguards through a third party translating managed to ascertain everything was ok with the casualty, and the ambulance was cancelled.

Once the casualty and their jet ski were safely taken across the water to Brightlingsea, the volunteer crew were stood down to return to station, where the lifeboat was rehoused and ready for service by 6.20pm

This was the 47 incident that the volunteers at Clacton RNLI have attended so far this year, none of which would have been possible without the fantastic support received from the local community.

Anyone venturing into the sea is urged to be careful, and if they get into difficulty, remember to;

‘Give Yourself a Floating Chance’

1. Fight your instincts to thrash around

2. Lean back, extend your arms and legs

3. If you need to, gentle move your arms and legs to help you float

4. Float until you can control your breathing

5. Only then call for help or try to swim to safety

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Richard Wigley volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07903424698 or [email protected]

or

Clare Hopps, Regional Media Officer on 07824518641 or [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office 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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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.