Lifeboat call out to swimmer in difficulty is a first for volunteer Rob

The Lyme Regis crew launched their Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat Spirit of Loch Fyne at 10:46 this morning in response to a tasking request by HM Coastguard. The crew’s task was to investigate reports of a swimmer in difficulty in the sea between Lyme Regis and Charmouth. The male swimmer had been observed stationary in the water for about 20 minutes prompting concern for his safety.

In smooth sea condition and a 12 knot south westerly wind the volunteer crew arrived on scene within minutes where they found the swimmer fit, well and in no need of assistance. Having encountered a swarm of jellyfish the swimmer, in training for an Ironman event, had changed stroke such that his movements could not be seen from the shore.

Once the RNLI crew had confirmed that their assistance was not required they returned to harbour. For one of the volunteer crew, Rob Emery, this was his first operational launch since completing initial seagoing training. Rob said: ‘I was pleased to be selected to go to sea on this shout. All the training I have done over the last year kicked in and I instinctively knew what to do and when to do it. I’d like to thank my fellow volunteers at Lyme Regis for their support in getting me to this stage.’

In command of this morning’s call out was Senior Helm Tim Edwards who said: ‘Although this shout turned out to be a false alarm, the person who raised the alarm did exactly the right thing by dialling 999 and asking for the Coastguard when they thought the swimmer was in difficulty. I was very happy to take Rob Emery as part of the crew. He has worked hard in training, both ashore and at sea, to get to a level where he can now form part of an operational crew.’

Today’s was the 13th service call for the Lyme Regis volunteers in 2026, the year in which the RNLI celebrates 200 years of lifesaving in the town.

Ends

Notes to editors:

Photo 1 Caption: Lyme Regis RNL lifeboat volunteer Rob Emery. Photo credit: RNLI/Nick Marks.

Photo 2 Caption: Lyme Regis RNLI Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat Spirit of Loch Fyne at sea. Photo credit: RNLI/Nick Marks

RNLI media contacts

For more information, please contact Nick Marks, volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer at Lyme Regis Lifeboat Station on 07568 187582 or [email protected]. or Emma Haines, Regional Communications Manager, on 07786 668847 or [email protected], or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.