RNLI Wells inshore lifeboat launches in search for three missing children
Wells lifeboat launching authority were paged at 4:17pm on Tuesday 15 August 2023 to conduct a search off Scolt head island on the incoming tide for three children who had been reported missing.
Wells RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew were paged at 4:19pm and the inshore lifeboat launched outside the boathouse at 4:30pm and proceeded out of the harbour toward Scolt head island.
With clear sunny skies and calm sea conditions the inshore lifeboat's highly trained volunteer crew arrived at the Burnham Overy harbour entrance at 4:48pm and landed two crew members on Scolt head Island to start searching for the missing children.
The inshore lifeboat then proceeded into the creeks to carry out a search from the water. The Coastguard had also arrived on scene to carry out searches for the missing children and at 5:04pm located the three children safe and well.
One it was confirmed that the children had been found and were in the safe hands of the Coastguard, the inshore lifeboat was stood down at 5:15pm. The inshore lifeboat picked up the two crew members that had been landed and returned to Wells RNLI lifeboat station were the crew debriefed following the service launch. The lifeboat was ashore at 5:40pm and rehoused, refuelled and ready again for service at 6:00pm.
In light of this incident, RNLI Wells wants to emphasise the importance of beach safety. Lifeboat Operations manager Chris Hardy advised: 'Where possible use a lifeguarded beach and know how to raise the alarm in case of emergencies. If you see someone else in trouble, alert a lifeguard or call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.’
RNLI Wells also recommends that beach goers pay attention to weather and tide times, avoid using inflatables, and always supervise children.
Notes to editors
To help keep children safe at the coast, the RNLI and Swim England are running free ‘Swim Safe’ sessions.
Since Swim Safe was established in 2013, more than 160,000 children have been taught vital water safety skills.
The free sessions teach children aged 7-14*** how to stay safe in and around open water and what to do if they, or someone else, gets into difficulty - including how to Float to live.
235,000 people drown worldwide each year, around one person every two minutes* 227 children under the age of 15 drown every day*
(*Global Health estimates 2020, World health organization)
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For more information please contact Jess Curtis, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer: [email protected]
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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