
RNLI Barmouth called to children being blown offshore on inflatable rings
On 11th August RNLI Barmouth launched inshore lifeboats (ILB) Craig Steadman to report of three children being blown offshore in inflatable rings
Pagers sounded at 2.48pm on a beautiful sunny Barmouth day with a beach full of visitors. The volunteer crew were tasked to launch by HM Coastguard to reports of two or three teenagers on inflatables rings being blown off shore opposite the Boathouse.
Launching into excellent visibility and calm seas the volunteer crew of inshore lifeboats (ILB) Craig Steadman made good speed towards the casualties.
The crew located the three teenagers who were being blown out to sea and took them onboard the lifeboat, returning them shore.
The crew of three then carried out a patrol offering safety advice to others heading offshore in the easterly winds. Returning to the boathouse Craig Steadman was refuelled and readied for service.
The ILB Helm said ‘Many of the rescues the RNLI respond to involve inflatables and that is the main reason why the RNLI strongly advises against taking them to the beach.
Inflatables are not designed for open water and it takes very little breeze for them to be swept out to sea much quicker than you can swim or paddle back to the beach.’
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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 146,000 lives.
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