RNLI lifeboat launched to another incident involving inflatables.

The volunteer crew of the Sheerness inshore lifeboat ‘Buster’ launched at 3.30pm on Tuesday 20 August after being tasked by the UK Coastguard, who had received multiple 999 calls, to reports of three teenagers on two inflatables who were in difficulties off Leysdown on the Isle of Sheppey.

Making best speed the lifeboat was on the scene at 3.55pm and quickly located the casualties approximately one mile off shore and drifting rapidly further out to sea, now off the Shellness Beach area and close to two miles from where they had originally entered the water.

The male and two females were taken onboard the lifeboat and returned to the shore where they were passed in to the care of the Sheppey Coastguard Rescue Team and the crew of the Coastguard Rescue helicopter which had also been tasked and had now landed close by.

The three were checked over by the helicopter paramedics due to being very cold and were thought to have swallowed sea water. Their ‘craft’ which comprised a rubber ring and a flat board type were taken back to shore by a small RIB vessel which had launched after being alerted by the youngsters’ father, who had also been on the water but had managed to get himself back to shore.

Sheerness RNLI Lifeboat Coxswain Paul Jarvis said: ‘once again this was another incident that could have ended in tragedy involving totally unsuitable and dangerous inflatables. We urge people to be aware of the dangers these ‘beach toys’ present. In this particular incident there was a force five to six westerly wind blowing and on the ebb tide this was a recipe for anyone, no matter how experienced, to get in to trouble. Fortunately, this time there was a good outcome for all involved. Please enjoy our beautiful coastline but if you are going into the water, please make sure you go to a lifeguarded beach and follow the advice of the lifeguards who are on duty’.

The ILB was released at 5.10pm and was back on station and ready for further service at 5.40pm

The RNLI advice is ‘- Always visit a lifeguarded beach - Don't take inflatables in offshore winds or big waves - Make sure children are always supervised - If you see someone in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard. More information can be found using the following links.

#WaterSafety #SummerHolidays #Lifeguards #Beach.

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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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