Brighton RNLI lifeboat launches to stricken teenager

The crew were already at the Brighton marina boathouse when the request to launch came in at 8.12pm as they had recently finished a training exercise.

Brighton RNLI in-shore lifeboat Random Harvest launched at 8.20pm and reached the pier at 8.22pm, the crew returned to the boathouse at 8.35pm, the conditions were calm and bright with a force 2 westerly wind.

The female, aged under 18, was found on the west side of the pier and was recovered by the RNLI volunteer crew onto the lifeboat where her condition was assessed.

She had been spotted by customers on the pier and a life-ring had been thrown down to her.

The lifeboat returned to the boathouse and the female was then passed into the care of the South East Coast Ambulance Service at 9pm.

Mark Steel RNLI Helmsman said: 'We were able to attend this incident extremely quickly as the crew had just finished their regular training exercise.

Although we had changed into our regular clothes and were getting ready to go home as soon as the call came in we were straight back onto the lifeboat.

Now we are in the summer holidays and schools and colleges have broken up. It is vitally important we make everyone, including young people, aware of the potential risks of going into the sea to swim.

Our advice is to be prepared. Check the weather and tides, choose your spot, go with a buddy, and have the right equipment.

We would also urge anyone who sees someone in difficulty to call 999 immediately and ask for the Coastguard'.

Notes to editors

• Unfortunately there is no footage with this rescue.

• Further information and tips on open water and sea swimming is available on the RNLI website

• For more information please contact volunteer lifeboat press officer Hatti Mellor on 07724 801305, [email protected] or the regional media officer Paul Dunt on 07785 296252 [email protected]

• 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 over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, 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.