Blackpool RNLI volunteer crew rescue two teenagers
Every Wednesday evenings during the summer, the volunteer crews at Blackpool Lifeboat station launch their boats for training exercises.
This Wednesday (31 May), all three lifeboats were carrying out different training scenarios, when at 8pm HM Coastguard tasked them to reports of a teenager in difficulty just off Starr Gate in Blackpool.
The inshore Atlantic 85 William & Eleanor and both inshore D class lifeboats immediately headed to the location, to find two teenage girls in distress approx. 100 metres from the shore. The volunteer crews quickly brought them onboard the lifeboat. Both were beginning to suffer from shock and starting to feel the effects of the cold water. The crew wrapped them up in a plastic shelter bag to keep them warm. After a welfare check, they were transferred to the D class lifeboat and taken back to the safety of the shore, where their friends were waiting for them. The crew requested an ambulance to get the casualties checked over, they were then handed over to the Coastguard team from Lytham St Annes.
The 999 call was made to the HM Coastguard from a person taking a walk on the beach, who saw people in difficulty and raised the alarm.
Luke Minns, volunteer Helm from Blackpool RNLI said:
‘The casualties were very lucky that someone spotted them and was able to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. We were glad to be able to respond so promptly as we were already out on exercise.
He added:
‘Once we got on scene, both girls were in distress and struggling to stay afloat. We would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone that if they find themselves in difficulty in the water, our advice is to float on your back.
For more information on how to float if you find yourself in difficulty in the water, head to the RNLI website https://rnli.org/safety/float
Notes to editors
· Photo credits: RNLI/ Steve Fitzgerald
· Blackpool RNLI Station was established by the institution in 1864
· The station is home to one B-Class Atlantic 85 and two D-Class inshore Lifeboats
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For more information please telephone
Steve Fitzgerald, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer
on 07308 255949 or [email protected]
Simon Hoole, RNLI volunteer Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer
on 07843 411233 or [email protected]
Regional Media Officer
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contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
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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 142,700 lives.
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