Teddington RNLI launch to assist swimmer in difficulty in the River Thames

Teddington RNLI Lifeboat Station Mechanic and recently qualified Helm, Ray Searles said, ‘The people who called us were concerned about a person in difficulty in the water attempting to swim from one side of the River Thames to the other, near Trowlock Island, a distance of approximately 50 metres. As there were already two other volunteer RNLI Lifeboat crew at the station with me, doing (socially distanced) weekly boat checks, we were able to launch the D-Class D785 Peter Saw in a matter of minutes.’

The lock-keeper at Teddington Lock assisted with a fast passage through the lock.

On arrival on scene by Surbiton High School Boat Club, the casualty care trained Teddington RNLI volunteer Lifeboat crew of Ray Searles, Toby Banks and Callum Goddard provided medical care to the semi-conscious casualty.

It was in fact Ray Searles' first shout as Helm at Teddington RNLI. Ray wanted to thank members of the public and to reiterate the RNLI safety message, ‘Luckily two young girls had already helped the young man out of the water and took care of him until help arrived. Initially, he did not feel unwell but as his condition deteriorated our crew were able to administer oxygen and handover the casualty to the London Ambulance Service who arrived on scene shortly after.

We would like to remind people that even in very hot weather, the average water temperature at this time of year in the River Thames is 12 degrees Centigrade. Cold water shock is triggered in water temperatures lower than 15 degrees and can steal the air from your lungs, cause an involuntary gasp for air and leave you helpless in seconds. Should you find yourself in difficulty in the water, you should follow our FLOAT TO LIVE message - float on your back, fight your instinct to thrash around, lean back, extend your arms and legs stay calm and float, call for help and then swim to safety if you can. It is also advisable to wear PFDs (personal flotation devices) if you are out on the water. They could save your life.’

In addition Ray added: 'I'd also like to thank Andy Bell (Teddington RNLI Helm) and Tom Lee (Teddington RNLI Crew) for assisting in a very thorough two-hour clean down post shout. Great commitment shown by our volunteer crew and shore crew all round.'

Finally, if you do see someone in difficulty in the water please dial 999 and ask for the coastguard. Don’t assume that someone else has already called for help.

This article written by Gianna Saccomani, Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer (LPO) and Crew, Teddington RNLI

Teddington RNLI Lifeboat Station

https://rnli.org/

@rnli_teddington

Notes to editors

· Crew interviews available on request

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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.

RNLI media contacts

• Paul Stallard, Teddington RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer and Crew

07879 810 817 / [email protected]

• Gianna Saccomani, Teddington RNLI Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer and Crew

07798 905515 / [email protected]

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Key facts about the RNLI

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution is the charity that saves lives at sea. Our volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service in the United Kingdom and Ireland from 238 lifeboat stations, including four along the River Thames and inland lifeboat stations at Loch Ness, Lough Derg, Enniskillen and Lough Ree. Additionally, the RNLI has more than 1,000 lifeguards on over 240 beaches around the UK and operates a specialist flood rescue team, which can respond anywhere across the UK and Ireland when inland flooding puts lives at risk.

The RNLI relies on public donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. As a charity it is separate from, but works alongside, government-controlled and funded coastguard services. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824 our lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved at least 140,000 lives. Volunteers make up 95% of the charity, including 4,600 volunteer lifeboat crew members and 3,000 volunteer shore crew. Additionally, tens of thousands of other dedicated volunteers raise funds and awareness, give safety advice, and help in our museums, shops and offices.

The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 or by email.

The RNLI is a charity registered in England and Wales (209603) and Scotland (SC037736). Charity number 20003326 in the Republic of Ireland.

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 142,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

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.