RNLI lifeguard at Mablethorpe rescues two children

Lifeguard Thomas Capes was patrolling between the red and yellow flags when the lifeguard unit radioed alerting him of a child struggling in the water just outside of the patrol zone.

Thomas responded immediately and found the child in difficulty at the outfall – a pipe that runs directly to the water and creates a deep puddle.

The charity’s lifeguard quickly returned the child to shore before responding to a second child who was struggling in the water around the outfall.

Both children were fine and did not require any medical attention but were a little shaken up.

Lifeguard Supervisor Marcus Upjohn warned of the dangers of outfalls: ‘The water at the outfall appears shallow when the tide is in, but the sandbank quickly drops off and leaves many in shock at the water depth.

We advise all beachgoers to choose a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags. That way if you find yourself out of your depth or struggling in the water, one of our lifeguards will quickly be on hand to help.’

If you find yourself or anyone else in trouble in and around the water when visiting a lifeguarded beach, please dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.

For more information on how to stay safe this summer, please visit: RNLI Beach Safety – Top Five Tips To Stay Safe By The Sea

Notes to editors

RNLI Mablethorpe lifeguard service has been operating since 2001. To learn more about the lifeguarded beach go to: Mablethorpe Beach - Lifeguarded beaches (rnli.org)

Lifeguard Supervisor Marcus Upjohn is available for interview.

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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 142,700 lives.

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