Borth volunteer crew launch to rescue casualties in drifting rubber dingy
Yesterday afternoon on one of the hottest and busiest beach days of the year so far, Borth RNLI launched to a report of people drifting offshore in strong winds at Ynsyslas Beach.
At 4.15pm on Tuesday 12 August, Borth RNLI volunteer crew launched their D class lifeboat Annie Lizzy, having been tasked by HM Coastguard to assist people in an inflatable dingy 400m offshore.
Upon reaching the inflatable there were two casualties in the dingy, and they had been blown offshore by the strong estuary winds. The dingy and casualties were assisted back to the shore and transferred to the care of Borth Coastguard Rescue Team.
During the lifeboat crew's return to the station, another inflatable was spotted offshore; a closer inspection revealed there was no one present with it, so the crew retrieved the inflatable. Lifeboat Crew Member Rhys Gardiner who was involved in the shout said:
'Despite the fine weather, water users need to take great care when using inflatables in open water. People may not realise that there is a strong wind when close to shore and especially when sheltered by the sand dunes. But within a short distance out to sea, the wind strength can be much stronger. Lifejackets should always be worn at sea, especially by those using watercraft.
'Inflatables can easily be blown out to sea by an offshore wind and dragged out by rip currents. Inflatables are not designed to be used in the sea or open water and we would always advise only using them in a swimming pool.
'If you ever spot anyone if difficulty at the coast or in the sea, always call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.'
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Borth RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer, Shem ap Geraint on [email protected] or 07739 031 593.
Alternatively you can contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Regional Communications Manager on [email protected] or 07977 728 315 or the RNLI press office on 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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