DEATH at sea, helping paddle boarders and a base jumper in difficulty and searches for missing person have all been part of the missions carried out by Teignmouth’s Lifeboat crews.

In her latest round-up of Lifeboat News, Wendy Richards Wood reports on the following:

‘Since our last article in May, the Teignmouth Volunteer Lifeboat crew has been busy and has been called out seven times to date.

‘Very sadly as you will probably have heard, one of those shouts involving a jet skiing incident resulted in a fatality. Other incidents involved paddle boarders, kayakers, a swimmer and a base jumper getting into difficulty, and also the search for a suspected missing person. Thankfully all these latter cases ended well.

‘Many more people are visiting the coast now that lockdown is easing, but we would like to remind you that as more people congregate in close proximity, the risk of the virus is still very much there, particularly here in the South West.

‘Because we have had a relatively low rate of infection up to now in this area, the risk of the virus spreading rapidly is greater. Our crew members are having to wear full PPE as well as their normal kit (which is pretty hot and heavy) because, as you will appreciate, when rescuing someone they have to get very close, and so potentially putting themselves at risk to save others.

‘There has been recent criticism of the RNLI not immediately putting Lifeguards on beaches when the Government said people could start going to the coast.

‘The reason for the delay is that in March, when the lockdown started, much of the training had to stop and many of the employees of the RNLI (95% are volunteers) were furloughed. Remember, the RNLI is a charity dependent on donations and although the summer Lifeguards are paid (with contribution from local councils and beach owners), the RNLI has a duty of care to all of those employed and volunteers, and because of the pandemic, PPE had to be sourced, and Lifeguards had to be trained in its use and in new working practises, before they could be deployed.

The RNLI had no prior notice that the beaches were going to be reopened.

‘We are pleased to say that Lifeguards will be back on our local beaches, Teignmouth North and Dawlish Warren by Saturday, June 27.

However, it is still down to each of us when visiting the coast to act in a responsible way – regardless of whether Lifeguards are on duty.

Please keep close to your children if they are playing in the water.

Please don’t enter the water alone.

Make sure you check the tide times.

Please be aware that there are serious rip currents which can take you out to sea unexpectedly and rapidly; always wear a lifejacket, or at least a buoyancy aid, when paddle boarding and kayaking and sailing.

AND REMEMBER THAT WE ARE STILL IN THE MIDDLE OF A PANDEMIC. PLEASE RESPECT THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF OUR LIFEBOAT CREWS AND LIFEGUARDS AND THEIR FAMILIES.

As we are currently unable to put on our usual fundraising events, our income has been badly hit. If you are able to donate or become a member, please do so online at RNLI.org. We will be very grateful for any contribution to our cause of SAVING LIVES AT SEA.

Our shop is also available online, so you can still buy gifts and clothing, using the code TEIGNMOUTH at checkout will give you free P&P.

Please think before you go to the beach and near the water, and above all, please stay safe.