Walkers warned of the dangers walking near the sea

You are quite safe, you think. Ahead of you, nothing but sand or marsh, then you glance behind and suddenly there’s water everywhere. It wasn’t there minutes before. That’s what happened to two groups of walkers out for a stroll in the pleasant autumn sunshine on Saturday afternoon (14 September).

At five o’clock Wells lifeboat got the call and launched to rescue three people cut off on the sandbank on the west side of the harbour channel. A couple and a youngster were perched on the last piece of dry ground when the lifeboat arrived. By the time they were safely in the boat, it had been covered by the sea. That’s how quickly the sea comes in.

Wells coxswain Nicky King said: 'At full moon, this time of year brings huge marsh tides and it not just the height of the tide, it’s the speed at which it comes in that can catch you out.'

In trying to get to safety the group had been up to their waists in water before heading for the only piece of dry ground and called for help.

A similar incident took place near the wreck on Brancaster beach. Sixteen people had to be rescued in relays by the RNLI Hunstanton lifeboat hovercraft and that was the second one in two days.

*Did you know, more people drown out walking than are killed in swimming or sailing incidents? Be aware and respect the water. Around 170 people die around the coasts of Britain and Ireland every year. Don’t be one of them!*

RNLI Media contacts

For further information please contact John Mitchell, Wells Lifeboat Press Officer on: 07831 103 166.

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.