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RNLI Wells volunteer crew rescue two people and dog from the incoming tide

Lifeboats News Release

Wells inshore lifeboat was paged by HM Coastguard at 3:02pm on Saturday 21 January requesting the inshore lifeboat to launch to assist two people and their dog that had been cut off by the incoming tide on the sand bar opposite the beach huts at Wells harbour.

Launch of Inshore lifeboat to assist two people and their dog cut off by incoming tide.

RNLI/Ray West

Rescue 20 January 2023

The inshore lifeboat launched at 3.15pm outside the boathouse with three volunteer crew onboard and proceeded towards the casualties. The inshore lifeboat crew located the casualties at 3:20pm stranded on the sand bar to the west of the entrance of Wells harbour completely cut off by the tide.

The two casualties together with their dog were helped onboard the inshore lifeboat by the volunteer crew. After checking they were unharmed and needed no further assistance, they were returned to the safety of the beach outside the lifeboat station.

The inshore lifeboat was recovered and rehoused at 3:30pm was sanitised, refuelled and ready for service again at 3:58pm

RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, Chris Hardy said: 'This is the same area of sand that is causing an issue time and time again. We are trying hard to get the message across to the public of the danger as the tide turns especially at this time of year due to the increased risk of cold water shock. We encourage people to check the tide times for the area so they don’t find themselves cut off by the tide.’

RNLI Media contacts

For more information please contact Jess Curtis, RNLI Deputy volunteer Press Officer: [email protected] or call: 07860200790.

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

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.

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