Wells RNLI called out to group stranded on the saltmarsh by the spring tide
At 4.31pm today, Saturday 27 February 2021, in what was the first call out this year, the RNLI Wells Inshore Lifeboat D Class was tasked by H.M Coastguard to a report of individuals in the water at the East Quay, Wells-next-the-Sea.
The local group of one adult, three children and a dog had been cut off by the tide and were attempting to cross the water from the saltmarsh where they were stranded as the end of daylight was approaching.
The coastguard paged for an immediate launch of the Wells Inshore Lifeboat ‘Peter Wilcox’. The lifeboat, with a crew of three, launched immediately and were on the scene within 18 minutes. On their arrival they found the group of individuals tired and wet and waiting for rescue on the marsh. The group had called 999 and asked for the coastguard as they had attempted to cross the creek, but the Spring tide was flooding in fast and they had to abort the attempt and return to the marshes.
The adult, three children and the dog were helped on board the lifeboat and dropped off at the safety of the shore at Cox’s slipway where the local coastguard team and Police were in attendance and waiting to see if they required any further help. The individuals were wet, cold and very muddy but otherwise uninjured and did not require medical assistance.
The Lifeboat Operations Manager, Chris Hardy, said “it is important for anyone wanting to enjoy a walk through the creeks and on the marsh to always check the tide times before venturing out; however, we are pleased that this rescue had a successful outcome.”
With all safely ashore, the Inshore Lifeboat was released at 5pm and returned to the station at 5.19pm. The Inshore Lifeboat was sanitised, rehoused and refuelled at 5.45pm
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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