
Two launches in three days for Walmer crews
Walmer RNLI launches twice in three days to drifting inflatable dinghies.
Walmer’s Atlantic 85 Donald McLauchlan launched at 2.35pm on Monday afternoon, 19 August to two people in a small inflatable dinghy drifting out to sea about half-a-mile off the Cinque Ports Golf Club. The casualties were taken on board the lifeboat and given survivors lifejackets before being returned to shore and handed over to a Coastguard Rescue Team in Sandwich Bay. Safety advice about using inflatables at sea was given, and the lifeboat was recovered back at station at 3.15pm.
A second call this afternoon, 21 August at 12.35pm was to a small, empty inflatable dinghy drifting about 500 yards off-shore near Sandown Castle north of Deal Pier. The occupant had fallen into the water near the lifeboat station and had made it safely to shore. However, they were unable to retrieve the dinghy and wind and tide took it back out to sea. The lifeboat launched to ensure no one else was on board and was recovered back at station with the deflated dinghy after 15 minutes.
We want everyone to enjoy their visit to the coast safely which is why the RNLI has been working with HM Coastguard and Paddle UK this summer to share five key safety tips for when you head out on a paddleboard, kayak or canoe:
· Always wear a buoyancy aid
· Tell someone where you’re going
· Carry a mobile phone
· Check the weather and tides
· Know your limits
For further information visit https://gopaddling.info/safe-paddle-summer/
Notes to editors
Walmer lifeboat station was established in 1856.
It currently operates two inshore lifeboats – a B Class Atlantic 85 Donald McLauchlan and a smaller D Class Duggie Rodbard II.
Crews have received 28 Awards for Gallantry
To find out more about Walmer lifeboat station go to https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/walmer-lifeboat-station
RNLI media contacts
- Chris Winslade, Lifeboat Press Officer, Walmer Lifeboat Station on 01304 374475 or 07906 623037 [email protected]
- Julie Rainey, RNLI Regional Communications Lead on 07827 358256 [email protected]
- Hatti Mellor, RNLI Regional Communications Manager (London/East/South East) on 07724 801305 [email protected]
· For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789 or [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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
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.