RNLI Moelfre Save Six Children in Grave Danger of Drowning.
At 4:06 pm Saturday 30 July the RNLI station volunteers were tasked by H.M.Coastguard to launch the all-weather lifeboat ‘Kiwi’ to reports that six children on two paddleboards were being blown offshore at Traeth Lligwy.
The lone dinghy sailor was able to get the four younger children aboard the now waterlogged dinghy, but the two eldest children had to remain on the paddleboards, further exposing them to the elements.
As soon as the lifeboat arrived on scene, the six children were quickly transferred aboard the lifeboat so that the RNLI-trained casualty care crew members could assess them.
Once back at the boathouse, the Doctor further assessed the children before being released back into the care of their waiting families.
In the meantime, Moelfre CRT had located the parents on the beach, and they were kept updated with the plans to take all the children back to the boathouse in Moelfre as it was the safest way to get them to shore and allow sufficient time to monitor the children's condition. Cemaes Bay Coastguard Search and Rescue and Moelfre CRT were able to relocate back to Moelfre and escort the parents to the boathouse.
RNLI Second Coxswain Martin Jones (Bonty) said. “Without the actions of the dinghy owner and swift response of the lifeboat crew, this shout could have had tragic consequences. The children were undoubtedly in grave danger of drowning, so I gave the mothers a very stern talking when they arrived at the boathouse. I reminded them that a responsible adult should always supervise the children, especially when going into the sea; also, I told them the importance of wearing lifejackets, saying they were left at home simply isn’t good enough.
The shore crew washed down the ALB so she would be made ready for her next call to service. And that call came a few hours later Sunday 31 July at 04:58 am after reports that lights/flares were spotted around Penmon, Llanddona area. After an extensive search of the area was made mobile Coastguard team and lifeboat, no vessels or persons were found in need of assistance.
For further information, please contact Phil Williams, Moelfre Lifeboat Press Officer, on 07773 979910
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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 142,700 lives.
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