Wells RNLI lifeboat launched as adults and four children cut off by the tide

The inshore lifeboat was launched with a crew of three outside the boathouse at 3:55pm and proceeded towards Stiffkey. The inshore lifeboat arrived on scene at 4.10pm and initially checked out a party of seventeen persons on the marshes and ascertained they could walk off the marshes without assistance.

The inshore lifeboat was then guided toward the four adults and four children by the local Coastguard team who were located up at the Stiffkey vantage point as the casualties were not clearly visible in the creek system from seaward.

The inshore lifeboat picked up the casualties at 4.21pm and took them to the safety of the shore where they were met by the local coastguard team who ascertained they were all well following their experience.

With everyone safe and accounted for the inshore lifeboat departed and returned to station and did a safety sweep of the sands to seaward of Wells Harbour to make sure nobody else was in danger of being cut off by the flooding tide. The inshore Llfeboat came ashore at the boathouse, was refuelled and was ready again for service at 5.30pm.

If you think that there is a possibility that someone could be in trouble in the water, do not hesitate, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard. As a crew, we would much rather find someone safe and well, instead of not being paged for a potentially serious incident.

Wells and the adjoining coastline is always a popular attraction for visitors, particularly in the recent hot weather but knowing the dangers, and more importantly how to avoid them, will ensure that your visit to the coast is as safe and enjoyable as possible.

Visitors are advised to check the following things before heading to the coast:

· Check the tide times before you visit

· If entering the water, let someone know where you are going and the time you will return

· Always carry a means of contacting help

· If you find yourself in trouble at the coast, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Photograph shows the lifeboat coming ashore for recovery after the rescue

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Adrian Underwood, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Office for Wells-next-the-Sea RNLI Lifeboat Station on 07976 717304 or [email protected]

Clare Hopps, RNLI Regional Media Officer for the North and East on (07824) 518641 [email protected]

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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.

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