RNLI Wells inshore lifeboat launches to assist four persons and two dogs.
HM Coastguard paged RNLI Wells inshore lifeboat Peter Wilcox for immediate launch at 6:42pm on Saturday 19 of August 2023 to render assistance to four adults and two dogs cut off by the incoming tide on the high sands offshore on the west side of Wells-next-the-sea harbour.
The inshore lifeboat with a crew of three launched outside the boathouse into the harbour channel at 6:50pm and proceeded down the harbour channel toward the west sands.
Another two persons were also cut off further to the east but were already in the process of wading to the shore on the west side and made it to safely back to the main beach.
Wells Inshore lifeboat arrived on scene at 6:57pm and quickly ferried the party to the safety of the foreshore adjacent to the beach huts on Wells beach. With the party safely ashore and not requiring any further assistance they made their own way back to the car park.
Chris Hardy Wells Lifeboat Operations Manager advised: ‘ When walking out on the sands, make sure you are aware of the times of high water and always allow sufficient time to return back across to the safety of the foreshore, well before the incoming tide starts to flood into the channels.’
In light of today’s call out RNLI Wells would like to highlight the importance of always checking tide times before heading out, carrying a fully charged and operational mobile phone, in a waterproof pouch or case, so you can call the Coastguard in an emergency / use it as a light to attract attention and make sure that you notify family or friends of your plans and the time you are expected to advise them you are safely back to the mainland.’
The inshore lifeboat as a precaution did a shoreline sweep from the west side through to the east hills checking to see if anyone else was in danger of being cut off by the incoming tide. Once the search complete and with nobody requiring assistance the inshore lifeboat left the scene at 7:11pm and arrived back at station where the inshore lifeboat was then rehoused / sanitised and refuelled and ready again for service at 7:45pm.
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