Clacton RNLI called to two people drifting on inflatable
Volunteer crew of the Clacton-on-Sea RNLI lifeboat station received a call on Thursday 25 July at approximately 1pm to reports of two people floating on an ‘Inflatable Shark’ experiencing difficulties.
Launching their D-Class ILB (Inshore Lifeboat) Damar's Pride into sunny but slight sea conditions, the crew made their way to the stated location near Walton-on-the-Naze by Burnt House Breakwater.
Walton beach patrol were already on scene and had located the inflatable with no one onboard.
It was noted that multiple inflatables were seen drifting in the South Westerly wind, and the ILB recovered these to the shoreline.
RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, Mark Walsham commented: 'Inflatables can be great fun when they’re used safely. But every summer, they’re one of the most common reasons our lifeboat crews are called to action. They’re not designed for the beach so it’s easy to get swept out to sea.'
If you’re bringing an inflatable to the beach, remember these safety tips:
- choose a lifeguarded/beach patrol beach
- use your inflatable close to shore and between the red and yellow flags
- make sure children are supervised
- never use inflatables in big waves or when orange windsock is flying
The lifeboat was then stood down by the Coastguard and returned to the lifeboat station where it was cleaned, refuelled and placed back on service around 2.30pm.
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact:
Mark Walsham, RNLI Clacton volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07468511158, or [email protected]
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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 146,000 lives.
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