Home   Deal   News   Article

RNLI and Coastguard's safety advice after lockdown easing leads to more emergency calls

Sea safety advice has been issued by Walmer RNLI and HM Coastguard following increased call outs between Deal and Dover where lockdown has been eased.

Three shouts have been recorded in recent weeks including a coastal rescue of a walker and an incident where an inflatable started to drift.

Walmer Lifeboat responded to a 50 ft vessel with three people on board one mile east of the lifeboat station. Picture Chris Winslade
Walmer Lifeboat responded to a 50 ft vessel with three people on board one mile east of the lifeboat station. Picture Chris Winslade

The campaign urges everyone visiting the coast to follow key safety advice like ensuring they check tide times and don't use inflatables and two of the rescues illustrate the need to practise that advice.

On Saturday, May 30, Walmer's inshore lifeboat Duggie Rodbard II launched to help a person on the rocks.

He had been cut off by the tide at Ness Point near St Margaret's after venturing with a group of friends towards Dover under the cliffs.

When it arrived the lifeboat nosed up between the rocks enabling the casualty to jump on board.

Station spokesman Chris Winslade said: "A survivor’s lifejacket was placed on the casualty and an ambulance was requested as he was cold. The lifeboat took him to St Margaret's Bay where he and his group were given safety advice before being handed over to Deal Coastguard to await the ambulance.

File picture of the Duggie Rodbard II inshore lifeboat at Walmer Copyright: Martin Collins
File picture of the Duggie Rodbard II inshore lifeboat at Walmer Copyright: Martin Collins

"The boat returned to station at 6.05pm where it was sanitised before being returned to service."

On Wednesday June, 3 volunteers responded to a Pan Pan distress call, indicating an urgent but non life-threatening situation one mile east of the boathouse.

It launched on board the station’s Atlantic 85 Donald McLauchlan to a 50 ft vessel with three people on board.

Mr Winslade said: "The vessel was on its way from Southampton to the River Medway when it suffered a total loss of power due to a possible fuel contamination.

"A line was secured and, despite its size and weight was towed to Dover Harbour where it was handed over to a Dover Pilot Harbour Patrol to continue to a safe berth.

"The lifeboat continued to escort both vessels to the mooring before returning to station at 7.45pm."

This follows an incident the previous week when volunteers launched to a four-metre inflatable in difficulty, drifting with wind and tide, off Sandown Castle.

The crew took two casualties on board, handing them survivor lifejackets before towing them to Deal Coastguard Station where they were given strong words of safety advice by both the crew and the Deal Coastguard team.

The advice issued to coast visitors includes:

  • Have a plan - check the weather forecast, tide times and read local hazard signs
  • Keep a close eye on your family – on the beach and in the water,
  • Don’t allow your family to swim alone
  • Don’t use inflatables
  • 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

Measures to combat the spread of Covid-19 have been set by the RNLI for each rescue. They include the wearing of approved PPE, asking casualties questions surrounding their health and whether they've had any virus symptoms and the vessel is washed down and sanitised after use.

For the latest coronavirus news and advice, click here.

Read more: All the latest news from Kent

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More