
Double shouts for RNLI Skegness inshore lifeboat
The volunteer crew at RNLI Skegness were called into action twice today, responding swiftly to reports of individuals in distress along the Lincolnshire coastline.
The first tasking occurred at 12:34 pm, following reports of two teenagers struggling while swimming off Trunch Lane in Chapel St Leonards. The second tasking took place at 2:20 pm when two individuals were reported to be in distress on inflatables off Anchor Lane in Ingoldmells, specifically on a lilo and an inflatable ring.
Crew assembled at the lifeboat station, but fortunately, both incidents were resolved before the lifeboat departed the station, as the casualties managed to recover themselves safely without assistance from the volunteer crew.
It is important to note that both incidents occurred on non-lifeguarded beaches along the Lincolnshire coastline. The nearest lifeguarded beaches are Sutton on Sea, Mablethorpe, and Skegness Central Beach.
On the same day, RNLI Lifeguard Henry Houlden rescued two struggling swimmers who entered the water between flags on Skegness Central Beach but got caught in a rip current near Skegness Pier. Henry safely brought them back to shore, emphasising the importance of lifeguards in beach safety and using a lifeguarded beach.
In 2022 alone, RNLI lifeguards aided over 23,200 people across the UK and Ireland, providing essential protection and assistance. By choosing to visit a lifeguarded beach, beach users can benefit from the presence of highly trained teams who possess the skills to identify developing dangers, prevent accidents, and respond promptly if anyone finds themselves in difficulty. Lifeguarded beaches are marked with flags to indicate safe swimming areas, typically denoted by red and yellow flags.
When visiting the beach, it is crucial to carry a means of calling for help. For those going into the water, a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch can prove invaluable in emergency situations for seeking assistance by calling 999/112 or alerting others.
Brad Johnson, on duty Launch Authority at RNLI Skegness, emphasised the importance of using lifeguarded beaches and highlighted the dangers associated with using inflatables in the sea. Brad stated, 'We strongly urge the public to choose lifeguarded beaches for their safety and that of their loved ones. Inflatables can pose significant risks, as they are susceptible to changing tides, offshore winds and currents.'
In a water-related emergency, it is vital to remember the Float to Live technique. By staying calm, tilting your head back, and using your hands to stay afloat, you can increase your chances of survival until help arrives.
Notes to editors
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.