Busy weekend for Sidmouth Lifeboat: Three lives saved including a dog

Sidmouth Lifeboat did their bit to keep beach goers safe, as part of a nationwide coastal rescue effort dealing with a record number of call-outs.

The extra pressure on rescue crews was largely due to the weekend heatwave and the fact that most people are opting for 'staycations' amid the pandemic.

HM Coastguard dealt with 340 individual incidents across the whole of the UK on Saturday (8 Aug), the highest amount of call-outs in a single day for well over four years.

A spokesperson said: "Packed coastlines and beaches kept us very busy throughout another hot heatwave day, which saw Coastguard Rescue Teams attend 221 incidents.

"Both the RNLI and independent lifeboats were called out on 155 occasions combined and aircraft (30 taskings) were also used to assist at the coast and sea."

In Sidmouth, we are lucky to have the independently run Sidmouth Lifeboat watching out for people's safety on the beach and at sea.

A spokesperson said: "On Saturday morning we were tasked to a broken down aluminium motorboat, one mile south of Sidmouth Beach with two people on board.

"The lifeboat launched and whilst proceeding to the casualty vessel, they managed to restart and make their way to shore under their own steam and the watchful eye of the lifeboat."

Further call-outs came later in the day when Sidmouth Lifeboat was tasked to a report of two people on stand-up paddleboards blown offshore at Budleigh Salterton.

The spokesperson continued: "The lifeboat launched and was on-scene within 10 minutes to find two people and a dog clinging to a buoy about a mile off of Budleigh Salterton.

"The paddleboarders had been able to alert the coastguard about their situation, as they had a mobile phone with them in a waterproof bag.

"They were picked up by Sidmouth Lifeboat and taken back to Budleigh Salterton beach safe and well.

"On the way back across to Sidmouth, the lifeboat was alerted to a number of kayakers and paddleboarders struggling in a strong offshore wind off of Sidmouth Beach, by two crew members on shore.

"Sidmouth Lifeboat diverted to speak to one group of paddleboarders and a kayaker, to see if they needed assistance. The group did not want to come onboard and preferred to make their own way back to shore, but had been struggling and were appreciative of the lifeboat's watchful eye as they did so.

"Sidmouth Lifeboat stayed with them for about 45 minutes until they all made it back to shore safely."

Following the weekend's record number of call-outs in a day, Sidmouth Lifeboat has issued a reminder to stay safe on the coast.

"Sidmouth Beach often experiences strong offshore winds. As we head into another period of good weather, we understand people want to enjoy the sunshine, the beach and the coast, but urge everyone to take extra precautions to ensure their own safety and the safety of others.

"Please remember whether you are local or not, a novice or experienced – the sea can still catch you out.

DO NOT swim near or between the rock islands.

DO NOT tombstone.

DO check and double check the weather forecast, tide times and read local hazard signage.

DO wear a lifejacket and take a mobile phone and/or a radio with you if you're taking to the water. Always tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back.

"In an emergency call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

"Although the boathouse is currently closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, Sidmouth Lifeboat's volunteer crew is still on call 24/7."

If you'd like to donate to Sidmouth Lifeboat click here for the website.

HM Coastguard responded to 186 999 calls on Saturday (8 Aug) and coordinated search and rescue responses to a wide-range of incidents, which included people being cut off by the tide and children swept out to sea on inflatables.

In total, the service rescued 146 people and assisted a further 371 people.

Saturday's incident count (340) represents a significant 145% increase when compared to the average amount of call-outs recorded throughout August 2019.

HM Coastguard Head of Coastguard Operations Richard Hackwell said: "We have seen a big rise in incident numbers this weekend as more people visit coastal areas and head to the beach.

"We understand that people want to have fun at the coast and enjoy the heatwave but we urge everyone to respect the sea and take responsibility in helping to ensure the safety of themselves, friends and family.

"We're heading into a period of more good weather so we want to remind you to check and double check tide times as even the most experienced swimmer or keen watersports enthusiast can get caught out by currents and tides. Plan your day out, always exercise caution and make sure you have a way of contacting us if you get into trouble."

He added: "As our latest statistics show, we'll always respond when someone calls 999 and asks for the Coastguard but help us to help you by not making choices which could put yourself and others at risk.

"Every time our frontline teams respond – as they always do and always will – please don't forget that they're also put at risk too. Take extra care at the coast today and over the coming days. We don't want you to remember your day-out for all the wrong reasons."