
Swimmer pulled from the water by Scarborough RNLI
A swimmer has been rescued by Scarborough RNLI after getting into difficulty and becoming extremely cold in the South Bay today (Monday 8 January).
The volunteer crew was paged at 08:05am and swiftly assembled to launch the charity’s inshore D class lifeboat John Wesley Hillard IV to reports of a person in water in difficulty.
As the Scarborough RNLI lifeboat crew arrived on scene, they found that the swimmer was struggling to keep their head above water and that they were extremely cold.
They quickly brought them onboard the inshore lifeboat and started casualty care as the inshore lifeboat made its way back to the boat house.
The casualty was brought to the boat house and was handed over to the ambulance service and HM Coastguard.
Scarborough RNLI inshore lifeboat helm, Lee Marton, said: 'We made best speed in the charity’s D class lifeboat to the area, knowing that there was a person in the water needing our assistance. As we arrived on scene, we found the casualty extremely cold and really struggling, so our assistance needed to be quick. Luckily, their friends swimming with them carried a means of calling for help and called for assistance when they did as the outcome could have been quite different.'
James Buck, Scarborough RNLI Water Safety Officer, said: 'Cold water swimming in Scarborough is becoming extremely popular and here are a few things to keep you safe:
· Always take a means of calling for help like a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch. You must be able to reach it in an emergency.
· Acclimatise to cold water slowly, entering the water gradually to reduce the risk of cold-water shock. Always swim parallel to the shore and not straight out. Cold water and currents can tire you quickly and make it harder to return to shore.
· Always consider using a tow float and wear a brightly coloured swim hat. This will increase your visibility in the water.
· If you find yourself in danger in the water, float to live.
· Don’t forget to check the tide times before you start your activity.
· Dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard if you get into difficulty around the coast.’
Further advice about open water swimming is available here:
https://rnli.org/safety/choose-your-activity/open-water-swimming
Find out more at RNLI.org/safety
Note to editors:
Scarborough RNLI has been operating since 1801 and is one of the oldest stations in the United Kingdom still in operation. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/scarborough-lifeboat-station
The sea can be a great place to have fun and relax, but it can also be a dangerous place. Being aware of the potential dangers can prevent you from getting into danger before it happens. Read our water safety guides to know how to spot hazards at the coast and in the water, so you don’t get caught out. For more details, please go to https://rnli.org/safety/know-the-risks
As a charity, the RNLI relies on voluntary donations to power its lifesaving work. There are many ways to donate to the RNLI, for more information visit https://rnli.org/donate
RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone Laura Lyth, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 01723 360520 or [email protected] or Nick Gough RNLI volunteer Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer on 01723 360520 or [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
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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