Wells RNLI assists person cut off by tide
Monday 16 June at 8:41pm, HM Coastguard requested the launch of Wells RNLI inshore lifeboat to assist one person cut off by the incoming tide on a sandbar to the west of Wells harbour entrance.
D class lifeboat Peter Wilcox launched from the north ramp at 8:41pm and arrived quickly on scene at 8:44pm. Wells RNLI volunteer crew checked no medical assistance was required and helped the stranded individual onboard the inshore lifeboat. They transported them safely back to the beach near Wells RNLI boathouse by 8:50pm.
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 lifeboat launched from the north ramp at 8:41pm and arrived on scene at 8:44pm. The crew recovered the stranded individual and transported them safely back to the beach near the Wells boathouse by 8:50pm.
The inshore lifeboat was recovered, washed down, refuelled and made ready for service again by 9:15pm.
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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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