Exmouth RNLI called to individuals cut off by tide

At 5.04pm on Tuesday 16 February 2021, the Exmouth RNLI Inshore Lifeboat D-755 Peggy-D was launched after a member of the public called at the lifeboat station to report a group of individuals cut off by the tide at Orcombe Point, Exmouth.

The lifeboat, crewed by Helm, David Preece, and crew Guy Munnings and Harry Griffin launched immediately and was on the scene 5 minutes later. On their arrival they found that the group had waded waist deep through seawater at the location and made their way to the safety of Exmouth beach. No one was injured.

Having ensured the welfare of those involved, the lifeboat returned to the lifeboat station where is was back ready for service a short time later.

Helm, David Preece said, “We would always urge anyone reporting an incident at sea to call 999 at the first opportunity. In this case it was fortunate that there were crew at the lifeboat station but that is not always the case. My advice for those using the beach is to always check the locality, weather and tides before venturing out. A recent cliff fall has demolished a set of steps at Orcombe Point that makes leaving that location other than via the beach particularly hazardous.”

RNLI advice on beachgoers and water users is :

- 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

Further RNLI information concerning the importance of weather and tide conditions can be found here : https://rnli.org/safety/know-the-risks/tides

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

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.