Shoreham RNLI rescue two teenagers stuck on east side of harbour arm

Shoreham RNLI’s All-Weather Tamar class lifeboat, Enid Collett, was initially tasked to a report of a paddleboarder believed to be in difficulty off Hove. However, while en route, the crew were diverted to the report of two teenagers in difficulty near Shoreham Harbour’s eastern arm.

On arrival, the volunteer crew located the teenagers and deployed a throw bag, using the line to bring them safely alongside the lifeboat. Both casualties were brought aboard, where they were medically assessed by the crew.

Shoreham’s D class inshore lifeboat, Joan Woodland, was launched to assist. The teenagers were transferred from the all weather lifeboat to the inshore lifeboat and safely returned to shore.

Following the rescue, the All-Weather lifeboat continued to its original tasking off Hove. Once on scene, the crew established that the reported paddleboarder was in fact an inflatable vessel at anchor. The call was of good intent.

The person who called did the right thing. If you think you see someone in danger, it’s always worth the call. Call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.

The RNLI is urging anyone visiting the coast this summer to make sure they keep themselves and their families safe by being water smart and following their beach safety advice.  

• Visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.  

• Check the weather forecast, tide times and read local hazard signage to understand local risks.  

• For activities like paddleboarding or kayaking we recommend you wear a wetsuit, buoyancy aid or lifejacket and carry a means of calling for help in a waterproof pouch and keep it on you. Tell someone what you are doing, where you are going and when you expect to return.  

• If you are going open water swimming, use a wetsuit to keep you warm, wear a bright coloured swim hat and take a tow float to store personal items including a phone for emergencies.  

• If you fall into the water unexpectedly, FLOAT TO LIVE. Fight your instinct to thrash around, lean back, extend your arms and legs, and Float.  
• In an emergency dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

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Notes to editors

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The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.

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