Shoreham RNLI respond 13 times in 6 days as they launch twice during open day

On Sunday 28 June, Shoreham RNLI welcomed more than 800 visitors to its annual Lifeboat Station Open Day. Between 10am and 4pm, members of the public were given the opportunity to look around the station, meet the volunteer crew, take part in activities and learn more about the charity’s lifesaving work, all while the station remained fully operational.

Throughout the day, the lifeboats had been scheduled to launch twice as part of planned demonstrations for visitors. However, the crews were called into action for two real incidents.

The first launch came following reports of a kite foiler in difficulty off Lancing beach. Shoreham RNLI were assisted by Littlehampton RNLI who were at Shoreham lifeboat station for their annual open day. Together, the crews searched the area and located the causalty, who had already made it safely ashore and required no further assistance.

Shortly afterwards, Shoreham RNLI’s inshore lifeboat was then launched alongside Brighton RNLI following a Mayday call that was sent out by the HM Coastguard. The call related to two swimmers reported to be in difficulty by Brighton Palace Pier. Both crews were stood down once they arrived on scene as the casualties had already been rescued by the police and were receiving treatment from paramedics. The casualties were taken to hospital for further assessment.

Visitors at the open day were quickly reminded of the important work our volunteer crews do and saw how quickly they respond when their pagers sound.

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.

Notes to editors

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Kate Barkley, RNLI Communications Staff Member for RNLI, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

Key facts about the RNLI

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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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

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