Wells RNLI lifeboat launched after numerous people cut off by the tide

The inshore lifeboat was launched with a crew of three outside the boathouse at 2:22pm. In the interim the casualties had been picked up by the harbour launch and returned to the shore – a further six persons were also bought to safety at this time.

The inshore lifeboat then proceeded up Sluice Creek in Wells Harbour following reports that persons had been sighted cut off by the tide. A thorough search was conducted up Sluice Creek and nobody requiring assistance was found.

The inshore lifeboat then proceeded to the outer harbour approaches as several people were in danger of being cut off by the tide on the west side of the harbour.

On reaching the outer sands on the west side, the inshore lifeboat bought two adults and a child to the safety of the main beach. A through search of the harbour approaches were then undertaken and no further people requiring assistance were sighted. The lifeboat returned to the boathouse at 3.15pm and was rehoused, refuelled and ready again for service at 3.30pm.

If you think that there is a possibility that someone could be in trouble in the water, do not hesitate, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard. As a crew, we would much rather find someone safe and well, instead of not being paged for a potentially serious incident’.

Wells is always a popular attraction for visitors, particularly in the recent hot weather but knowing the dangers, and more importantly how to avoid them, will ensure that your visit to the coast is as safe and enjoyable as possible.

Visitors are advised to check the following things before heading to the coast:

· Check the tide times before you visit

· If entering the water, let someone know where you are going and the time you will return

· Always carry a means of contacting help

· If you find yourself in trouble at the coast, Dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Adrian Underwood, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Office for Wells-next-the-Sea RNLI Lifeboat Station on 07976 717304 or [email protected]

Clare Hopps, RNLI Regional Media Officer for the North and East on (07824) 518641 [email protected]

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For more information on the RNLI please visit rnli.org. News releases and other media resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are available at the RNLI News Centre rnli.org/news-and-media.

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.