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Mum reunites with volunteer crew from Margate RNLI who saved her and her son

Lifeboats News Release

A mum has met the three crew members who rescued her from danger after she got into trouble whilst enjoying a day with her son in August this year.

Paula Maguire, who is originally from Dublin but now lives in Margate, regularly visits the Walpole Bay tidal pool with her son Henry. Henry is 25 years old and has severe autism with limited speech.

Henry finds the water therapeutic, and his family try to take him as often as they can as he enjoys swimming so much.

Although they know the area well, around 30 minutes after Paula and Henry had started to enjoy the water on 9 August this year, Paula realised they had unintentionally drifted outside of the pool walls, after a tidal current pulled them out.

Paula said: ‘I started swimming in and nudging Henry back with me – he wouldn’t move and that’s when I knew we were in trouble.

‘I felt like I wasn’t in control – he didn’t realise the danger, but the tide had already pulled us out the tidal pool and he refused to swim back to shore.

‘We’d been in the water for 40 minutes by then and were starting to get cold.’

Paula began to shout to the shore to her husband, Trevor, to call the Coastguard, a paddleboarder had arrived to help, and someone had thrown a rubber ring.

As she saw the lifeboat approach Paula said she was ‘incredibly relieved’.

She added: ‘The crew were so lovely and kind and were ‘sensitive to Henry's autism and special needs.

‘I didn’t even have to explain it to them.

‘They were supportive, sensitive and reassured me they wouldn’t leave us.

‘They tried to tempt Henry into the boat. Then they encouraged me to get into the boat in the hope he’d follow. The crew were so patient, they said ‘if it takes all day, we’ve got all day.

‘I have no doubt they saved our lives – I’m grateful I’ve had the opportunity to thank them - it means so much to us to know that the RNLI are there keeping us all safe.’

Volunteer crew member Lucy Maling, who took part in the rescue, said: ‘Paula and her family did the right thing by ringing 999 and asking for the Coastguard.

‘No matter the situation we will always be there to help keep people safe.

‘It’s been incredibly moving to meet Paula today, the last time I saw her was during the rescue, so hearing her kind words means a great deal.

‘We are all really proud of the service we provide for the people of Margate.’

Regional water safety lead and volunteer helm at Margate Guy Addington said: ‘Even regular water users can get caught out when the tide changes.

‘You don’t realise what is happening until it is too late, and the sea can pull you in different directions.

‘It’s important to check the tide times before going into the sea and to always let someone know where you are and when you expect to back.

‘I’m so glad it was a positive ending for Henry and his mum Paula and that we were able to help. By bravely sharing their story they will help to spread awareness of the dangers of the water for others.’

If you are caught out by the tide remember:

- Float to live – tilt you head back with ears submerged and try to breathe normally.

- Don’t try to swim against it or you’ll get exhausted.

- If you can stand, wade don’t swim.

- If you can, swim parallel to the shore and then head for shore.

- Always raise your hand and shout for help.

- If you see someone in danger in the water call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

RNLI media contacts

Regional communications manager: [email protected] / 07724801305

Lifeboat press officer for Margate: [email protected]

RNLI online

For more information, please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the RNLI News Centre.

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 over 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.

Paula with the crew members who rescued her

Margate RNLI

Paula with the crew members who rescued her Dan Golding, Guy Addington and Lucy Maling
Paula Maguire at Margate

Margate RNLI

Paula Maguire at Margate
Henry in his wetsuit

Paula Maguire

Henry in his wetsuit

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.

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