Wells RNLI inshore lifeboat launches to swimmer in difficulty off Holkham
At 1:17pm on Wednesday 30 July, HM Coastguard paged Wells RNLI for the immediate launch of inshore lifeboat Peter Wilcox to reports of a swimmer in difficulty off the beach to the west of Holkham Gap.
Peter Wilcox launched from the boathouse slipway at 1:25pm with a volunteer crew of three and proceeded to the scene.
By 1:38pm, RNLI lifeguards patrolling the area were able to confirm that the swimmer had managed to return safely to shore. A few minutes later, at 1:44pm, the lifeboat located the adult male swimmer on the beach.
Two children had got into difficulty while swimming, and he had entered the water to help them. While the children reached the shore safely, he became caught by the outgoing tide. Another member of their party watching from the beach, raised the alarm.
Wells RNLI crew confirmed that all involved were safely ashore and required no further assistance. Peter Wilcox was stood down and returned to station.
James Betteridge, inshore lifeboat Helm, said: ‘This was a great example of RNLI lifeguards and lifeboat crews working together to provide a swift response.’
Mandy Humphreys explained: ‘Sea conditions can quickly change, and even strong swimmers can get caught out by the tides and currents. We always recommend swimming at a lifeguarded beach between the red and yellow flags. If you see someone in trouble, call 999 and ask for the Coastguards.’
The lifeboat went ashore at 2:02pm and was refuelled and rehoused by 2:16pm.
RNLI Media contacts 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.
Notes to Editor
Interviews available upon request via details above
Find your nearest RNLI lifeguarded beach here: Find Your Nearest RNLI Lifeguarded Beaches
- For more information on beach safety, visit: www.rnli.org/beach-safety
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.