Wells RNLI volunteer crew rescue three people cut off by tide
Wells RNLI inshore lifeboat Peter Wilcox launched on Tuesday afternoon 8 July after the crew was paged by HM Coastguard to assist a group of people cut off by the incoming tide on a sandbank west of Wells beach
Volunteer crews were paged at 3.05pm and the inshore lifeboat, with three crew members onboard, launched immediately outside the boathouse on the flood tide at 3.17pm. The lifeboat proceeded directly to the harbour entrance.
Arriving on scene at 3.25pm, the crew provided safety advice to two people on a sandbank who were able to return safely to the main beach.
The lifeboat then quickly located a further three people who were completely cut off by the tide. Although they did not require medical assistance, they were unable to reach safety on their own. By 3.31pm, all three casualties were safely onboard the lifeboat, and the crew returned to the north slipway at the boathouse.
Mandy Humphreys, Wells RNLI Water Safety Officer and Crew said: ‘Getting cut off by the tide can be very dangerous. If you find yourself cut off by the tide call 999 immediately. Try to stay dry and calm until help arrives.’
Mandy continued: ‘Wading through water over knee deep, especially in areas of marsh or sandbars can be incredibly hazardous as the depth of water can change very rapidly resulting in your sudden full immersion in fast flowing, cold water which is associated with a high risk of drowning. Help to avoid tidal cut off in this area, by getting back to dry sand/land with no more channels or drains to cross at least four hours before Wells bar high tide time.’
The individuals were safely landed ashore at 3.35pm. The inshore lifeboat was then rehoused, sanitised, refuelled and ready for service again by 4.10pm.
RNLI Media contacts For more information, please contact Jess Curtis, RNLI and Regional Engagements North and East, Lifeboat Press Officer at Wells: Tel 07483488243 Email: [email protected] contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
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