Sidmouth lifeboat called out to man overboard near Beer

Sidmouth Independent Lifeboat was called out just after 12.30pm on Monday (7 August) after a man fell overboard from a yacht near Beer.

The man, who was not wearing a lifejacket, had fallen into the water and hit his head and was unable to get back into the boat, which had a child on board.

On arrival, the lifeboat found he had made it back into the boat. He was taken ashore to an ambulance, whilst the child was handed over to the coastguard and the boat was left at anchor.

A Sidmouth Independent Lifeboat spokesperson said: "[We] would like to remind everyone of the importance of wearing a lifejacket or appropriate buoyancy aid when out on the water.

"Research has proven that wearing a lifejacket can increase your chances of survival by up to four times if you're immersed in cold water.

"No matter how experienced you are, the sea can always surprise you and a lifejacket or buoyancy aid could save your life."