TEIGNMOUTH’S RNLI has urged everyone visiting the coast to follow their safety guide after three call-outs in a week.
The RNLI reports on the following incidents:
Sunday, May 31: Teignmouth RNLI lifeboat crew received the first launch request at 5.45pm following a report of a person in difficulty in the water, the person self-recovered to Teignmouth beach and the crew were stood down before launching the lifeboat.
Within half an hour a second launch request was received, this time to two kayakers and a person in the water in the mouth of the river who were at risk of being swept out to sea. The crew were promptly on scene though upon arrival the people had managed to get themselves back on the beach and the crew returned safely to station.
Tuesday, May 26: Teignmouth lifeboat crew responded to a person in water alrm.
Teignmouth RNLI lifeboat crew received a request to launch at 9.17pm following a 999 call reporting a person in the water after falling off a jet ski. The lifeboat crew responded along with the Teignmouth Coastguard Rescue Team, South Western Ambulance Service and Devon and Cornwall Police.
The volunteer crew investigated and located a casualty in the water who was taken aboard the Atlantic lifeboat and returned to the lifeboat station.
The casualty received initial casualty care from crew members and was taken to hospital by ambulance.
Sadly, the Devon and Cornwall Police later announced that the person had died, and our thoughts and condolences are with their family and friends.
Thursday, May 28:
Teignmouth RNLI lifeboat crew responded to paddle boarders in difficulty.
Two paddle boarders reportedly in difficulty made it safely back to shore and were met by Coastguard team.
Teignmouth lifeboat crew were tasked just after 2pm following a report by a member of the public of two paddle boarders who looked in difficulty.
The boarders had got swept out past the Ness, Shaldon by the strong ebb tide and had disappeared from sight.
The volunteer crew carried out a search and were stood down as the boarders had managed to land at Ness Cove where they were attended to by the Coastguard team.
Anna Winston, Teignmouth Lifeboat press officer, says: ‘Anyone planning a visit to the coast should remember and follow RNLI safety advice:
§ Have a plan - check the weather forecast, tide times and read local hazard signage
§ Keep a close eye on your family – on the beach and in the water
§ Don’t allow your family to swim alone
§ Don’t use inflatables
§ If you fall into the water unexpectedly, FLOAT TO LIVE. Fight your instinct to thrash around, lean back, extend your arms and legs, and Float
§ In an emergency dial 999, and ask for the Coastguard