RNLI Wells lifeboat rescue group and their dog, waist high in water
Wells lifeboat was tasked by HM Coastguard at 3.05pm on Saturday 14 May to a group of seven and their dog cut off by the tide to the west side of Wells Beach, after receiving several calls from onlookers. The party were clearly visible from the boathouse and were already up to their knees in water.
The Inshore Lifeboat launched at 3.15pm outside the boathouse and proceeded toward the harbour entrance. It arrived on scene at 3.23pm, where the group were found well but wet. Because of the number of casualties, the volunteer crew had to ferry them to the safety of the shore in two runs. They set off with the first group and made it to the security of the beach. By the time they returned for the second group, the party were up to their waists in water as the tide was coming in at speed; however, all were safely ashore by 3.35pm.
Given the number of calls of people being cut off, the inshore lifeboat made a thorough scan of the beach, and with no others seen to be in difficulties, left the scene and returned to station at 3.42pm. The lifeboat was then sanitised, rehoused and refuelled and back on service again at 4.15pm.
Lifeboat Operations Manager, Chris Hardy, said ‘I am pleased today’s rescue ended well, but unfortunately this type of incident happens all too often. It is essential that walkers check the tide times before they set out, so that they don’t find themselves cut off by the tide. People enjoying a walk on the along the beach when the tide is out, should always ensure they are back on soft, dry sand at least 4 hours before high tide to avoid being cut off.’
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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