Teddington RNLI assist person in river at Richmond Upon Thames

As Teddington RNLI Volunteer Helm, Chris Gibson explains:

‘The initial information was that it could be up to three people in the water near Corporation Island, Richmond and The White Cross pub. London Coastguard confirmed that two had recovered and the third (who had definitely been in the water) was stranded on a small boat opposite The White Cross pub. On arrival, the Police and London Ambulance Service were on scene. The male casualty was conscious and alert on a small vessel almost directly opposite the pub.’

Chris has been with Teddington RNLI for five years. He’s been on many ‘Shouts’ but this was his first as Helm. Chris was pleased with the rescue:

‘We came along side the small boat and my crew quickly transferred, the cold yet appreciative casualty, onto our D class D-743 Olwen and Tom. We then crossed the river to the slip at Water Lane. Wrapped in a warm blanket and with a little bit of reassurance the casualty was safely handed to LAS who monitored for a short time and then departed. I’d like to thank my volunteer Teddington RNLI Crew of Paul Stallard and Nic Peters for a perfectly executed early morning shout. Also, Teddington RNLI Helm Andy Bell and Shore Crew Graham Jaggers supported us with their swift Launch and Recovery and helped with the post-shout maintenance. We were all home by 05:30am, happy with the outcome.’

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 was written by Paul Stallard, 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

RNLI online

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]

• For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer 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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok 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.