
Mudeford RNLI save five casualties in three separate launches, all in one day
Mudeford RNLI volunteers had a busy Saturday responding to three launch requests, carrying out two rescues and helping five casualties.
With a mild force 2 wind, good sea conditions and visibility, and an approximate temperature of 10 degrees, the sunny weather and calm seas encouraged both holiday makers and locals onto the water on Saturday.
The first request to launch came at 12.32 pm to assist two casualties, a male and female, who were paddle-boarding near Iford Bridge. The high-water level, due to heavy rainfall over the past week, alongside the strong current, caused one of the paddle-boarders to fall into the water. Seeing that she was unable to get back onto her board, her companion made the decision to enter the water to assist. By the time the Mudeford RNLI lifeboat reached the casualties, they were clinging onto branches of a low hanging tree, having been in the water for approximately 20 minutes. The volunteer boat crew pulled recovered them onboard and with the water temperature being significantly lower than the land temperature, they were very cold and required immediate care in the form of blankets and survival bags. After carrying out a full casualty care check, the casualties were taken to Iford Bridge where Southbourne Coastguard Rescue Team took over responsibility. No further medical treatment was required but the casualties were advised on potential indicators and care for secondary drowning.
Andy Read, Helm for all three launches, commented, ‘Having the right safety equipment and knowing the local water and hazards is so important. People sometimes assume that the river is safe because it is fairly shallow and are not aware of the dangers in the river, the rocks or the strong currents.’
At 1.48 pm, as the Mudeford Servant was returning to the lifeboat station, there was a second request to launch. The alarm was raised because two 13-year-old boys had capsized in their kayak off Southbourne Fisherman’s Walk. The situation was exacerbated by the off-shore wind causing rapid drift out to sea. The lifeboat re-tasked at speed to locate and rescue the boys. However, whilst on route, the crew were informed that the boys were safe, having been rescued by their father.
The third and final launch request came at 6.25 pm. An adult male and two boys, who were in the area on holiday, had taken a small inflatable boat with an outboard engine, to fish near Mudeford Spit. Due to sea conditions, the breaking waves caused the boat to capsize. Although the three occupants had taken life jackets with them, only one of the three (one of the boys) was wearing it. The situation occurred so quickly that there was no time to put life jackets on before all three of the casualties were thrown into the water. A near-by rib swiftly got them out of the water, where the life boat crew were able to get them onboard and bring them back to station. Although they were only in the water for a couple of minutes, they were extremely cold. Once they were in the care of the shore crew, the lifeboat crew retrieved the casualty boat and brought it back to the slip-way for recovery by the owner.
Adam Della Rocca, one of the boat crew stated, ‘It is so important to wear the right safety equipment at all times. The wave caught the casualties unaware so, although they had life jackets with them, there was no time to put them on.
Tim Hewett, Deputy Launch Authority, commented, ‘It was a really busy day but everyone did what needed to be done. As a result, five lives were saved. The one plea I would make to everyone who is planning to go out on the water is, wear the right clothing and equipment – it really can save your life.’
For more information about staying safe when being out on the water please visit: https://rnli.org/safety/choose-your-activity
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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