
Whitby RNLI rescue three swimmers from rip current
They were swimming at Sandsend on Saturday 7 September when they got into difficulty.
The inshore lifeboat was launched immediately and the local Coastguard crew headed to the beach.
The RNLI crew quickly located the swimmers thanks to one of the swimmers wearing a fluorescent tow float.
All three were retrieved from the water into the inshore lifeboat and transferred to the shore.
The lifeboat crew gave safety advice on rip currents and staying visible whilst swimming. The Coastguard crew then checked them over for signs of hypothermia.
Helm on the inshore lifeboat Adam Wright said: 'Anyone can get caught out in a rip current. The easiest way to spot them is if there are breaking waves, the rip will be where the waves don't appear to be breaking and the water is channeling back out to sea. This carries swimmers further out than they expect.
If you find yourself caught in a rip current and unable to get back to shore the main thing is to not panic. Float on your back and catch your breath then swim parallel to get out of the rip, or stay floating and call for help.
We advise anyone swimming in the sea even in calm conditions to wear a tow float, and have a means of calling for help if possible.'
He added: 'If you see anyone in difficulty in the water dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard, do not attempt to rescue them yourself and put yourself at risk.'
For more information contact Lifeboat Press Officer Ceri Oakes on 07813359428 or at [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.
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