Burnham-on-Sea RNLI crews called to assist after persons reported in the water

The casualties were members of a family, who’s young daughter had accidentally fallen in the water from Burnham-on-Sea Jetty. Her father promptly dived in and quickly located her. Being half tide, the current was swift, and both were at extreme risk, a hazardous situation to be in. Neither were able to exit the water by themselves, but assistance had apparently been rendered by other members of the public on scene, by the use of throw lines.

HM Coastguard had requested RNLI casualty care trained volunteers to attend, in case first aid was required. Subsequently, the father and daughter, accompanied by the mother and a second daughter attended the lifeboat station for clean up and any necessary first aid.

Launch Authority Lyndon Baker quoted: ‘The family were very grateful for the assistance, and realised how lucky they had been.’

Lifeboat Operations Manager Matt Davies quotes:, Our volunteer crews are ready to launch 24/7, despite these testing times. Obviously, the need to maintain safe social distancing makes this more complicated, but we have systems in place to reduce risk.

This summer the RNLI and HM Coastguard are advising the public not to use inflatables at all and for everyone, especially parents, planning a visit to a beach or the coast to follow this safety advice:

• Have a plan - check the weather forecast, tide times and read local hazard signage
• Keep a close eye on your family – on the beach and in the water
• Don’t allow your family to swim alone
• Don’t use inflatables
• If you fall into the water unexpectedly, FLOAT TO LIVE. Fight your instinct to thrash around, lean back, extend your arms and legs, and Float
• In an emergency dial 999, and ask for the Coastguard

NOTES FOR EDITORS

Image with this release File name: Lifeboat (Please Credit Mark Newman) Shows Burnham-on-Sea RNLI D Class Lifeboat Burnham Reach on Burnham-on-Sea Jetty during the incident.

Lifeboats in service at Burnham-on-Sea:

A 7.5m Atlantic 75 named Doris Day and Brian plus a smaller 4.95m D class IB1 inflatable named Burnham Reach The station was opened officially on 15^th May 2004, but has been operational since December 2003.

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For more information about this release please telephone Mike Lang, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07889 815860 or email [email protected],

In the absence of the above, contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789Alternatively, telephone Amy Caldwell RNLI Public Relations Manager (South) Tel 07920 818 807, [email protected].

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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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