Littlehampton RNLI assists swimmer in Bognor Regis

Littlehampton RNLI was tasked by HM Coastguard to launch its Renee Sherman lifeboat at 7.20pm following a report from Sussex Police that a male swimmer had been seen in the sea approximately 60 metres offshore from Rock Gardens, Bognor Regis.

Working with the Coastguard, Sussex Police and the police helicopter, Littlehampton RNLI’s crew found the swimmer – who was swimming strongly and was in no danger. He boarded the lifeboat and was taken to the shore to be checked over by paramedics.

Littlehampton RNLI was stood down and returned to the lifeboat station in Littlehampton Harbour at 8.25pm.

If you are planning a sea swim, always remember to be prepared:

• Check the weather and tides, choose your spot, go with a buddy, have the right equipment
• If in doubt, don’t go out. No matter how much preparation you do, or how experienced you are, if a swim doesn’t feel right there is no shame in getting out of the water straight away, or not entering
• Make sure you acclimatise to avoid cold water shock
• Be seen. Wear a bright coloured swim hat and take a tow float
• Stay within your depths
• Float to live
• Call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard in an emergency.

Michael Kelly, Deputy Launching Authority at Littlehampton RNLI Lifeboat Station, said: ‘Sea swimming is a great way to keep fit and healthy. But it is much more fun with someone else, and you can look out for each other. It’s also good to tell someone on shore where you are going and when you will be back. They’ll be able to call for help if you are overdue back.’

For more advice on how to stay safe on the coast – whatever your activity or experience – see https://rnli.org/safety.

ENDS

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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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

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