Exmouth RNLI Lifeboats launch to assist rowers in difficulty

Both lifeboats were launched shortly afterwards by volunteer crew members - the inshore lifeboat under the charge of helm Henry Mock and the all-weather lifeboat commanded by 2^nd Coxswain Scott Ranft.

After a brief search two men were discovered in a rowing boat having struggled to combat the changing tide. Both, one of whom was a non-swimmer, were wet, cold and neither were equipped with lifejackets. They were taken to the safety of land where they were met by an ambulance crew. Neither were believed to be injured.

Both boats returned to Exmouth RNLI Lifeboat Station at 11.29pm and were back ready for service shortly afterwards.

Exmouth RNLI Helm, Henry Mock said 'The two individuals had found themselves struggling to row against a significant tide that had changed during the period they were on the river. It’s very important for water users to be aware of changing tides as they can present hazardous conditions. Our safety message is to advise everyone taking to the water to ensure they have proper safety equipment and, in particular, lifejackets. I am pleased that we were able to assist these gentlemen and the incident had a successful outcome.'

As the charity that saves lives at sea, the RNLI are always happy to give water safety advice that can be found on the RNLI website at: https://rnli.org/safety

Exmouth RNLI have designated volunteer safety advisors, led by Community Safety Officer, Dave Littlefield and further information can be found here: http://www.exmouthlifeboat.org.uk/community-safety/

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

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