Gorleston inshore lifeboat rescues three swimmers in difficulty

HM Coastguard launched Gorleston inshore lifeboat Pride of Leicester to reports of three males in difficulty off Gorleston beach.

Whilst having a crew meeting, the volunteers were tasked to attend the incident at the Ham (immediately south of and adjacent to Gorleston pier).

With crew already on station the inshore lifeboat (ILB) was underway very quickly.

As the crew entered the Ham the three males were spotted together and it was obvious they would not be able to get back to shore due to the 3-4ft confused sea in this area, so they were rescued and taken aboard the inshore lifeboat.

Due to the sea conditions the safest option was to return to station with them.

Once back at the station the males left immediately totally unaware of the dangers they could have found themselves in. Luckily they were given some safety advice on the passage back to the station.

If the crew had not already been at the station then the job could have escalated as one of the males said he had started to get cramp which could have reduced his ability further and stay afloat until help arrived.

A spokesperson for the RNLI said: 'This part of Gorleston is known for getting rips, the RNLI lifeguards patrol this section of the beach during the day but the incident occurred outside of the patrol hours.

'The three casualties were extremely lucky not to be caught in a rip and well done to the fast reacting volunteers who got the three casualties to safety.'

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For more information please contact Kim Platford, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on: 07907 360588.

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