Busy weekend pushes Sheerness RNLI past 50 shouts

The recent surge in incidents began on 19 June, when the inshore lifeboat (ILB), Buster, was launched at 6.20pm following reports of a dog in the water, with members of the public attempting a rescue. The lifeboat arrived to find everyone safely ashore.

While returning, the crew was diverted to reports of tombstoning from Neptune’s Jetty (Sheerness concrete jetty). On arrival, a casualty was already in the care of the Coastguard Rescue Team and ambulance service.

While still on scene, the crew responded to a person struggling in the water, bringing them safely ashore. Due to the high number of people near the water, the ILB was asked to maintain a safety presence in the area before finally standing down at 7.29pm.

On 20 June at 7.06pm, the ILB was launched again following reports of a windsurfer in difficulty off Minster Leas beach. The casualty was seen walking ashore safely and the lifeboat was stood down en route.

In the early hours of 21 June, the ILB launched again after reports of a person at risk but was stood down before reaching the scene.

Sunday, June 22, brought two more call-outs. At 1.17pm, the all-weather lifeboat (ALB), Judith Copping Joyce, already out on an exercise, spotted a broken-down jet ski with three people on board near the entrance to Stangate Creek. The crew towed the craft safely to Queenborough.

Later that day, at 3.20pm, the ILB launched once more to assist a female paddleboarder off Minster Leas who had been blown out to sea by a south-westerly wind and ebbing tide. She was located at 3.45pm, safe and well, and brought back to shore, where the Coastguard Rescue Team was waiting.

Alan Carr, Sheerness RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, said: “This recent spell of warm weather has brought more people to the water, and with that, a rise in incidents.

“Reaching 50 shouts already this year underlines the importance of our crew’s dedication.

“We urge everyone enjoying the coast to respect the sea, check conditions, wear a buoyancy aid, and always tell someone your plans.”

The RNLI advises anyone in an emergency at the coast to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. The charity also advises choosing a lifeguarded beach wherever possible, as it gives you and your family the protection of highly trained lifesavers.

You can read more here: https://rnli.org/safety/beach-safety#:~:text=The%20beach%20is%20a%20fantastic,or%20112%20in%20an%20e...

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