At 01:01hrs today Wednesday 1^st January 2020 Exmouth’s Inshore Lifeboat George Bearman II was alerted by HM Coastguard to go to the assistance of a female in difficulty in the water off Exmouth seafront.

In what was the first shout for the RNLI in the whole of the UK and Ireland for 2020, the lifeboat was alerted to a report of a female in difficulty in the sea between the Octagon and Exmouth Rowing Club along the Exmouth seafront. The inshore lifeboat was launched shortly afterwards by volunteer RNLI Mechanic, Paul Balbi and rapidly made its way to the scene where the crew, led by Helm Henry Mock and volunteer crew Scott Ranft, immediately began a search of the area.

Their search was called off shortly afterwards after it was confirmed that the female had made her own way to the beach and safety. Police, ambulance and members of HM Coastguard also attended the scene and the young lady was given medical checks. It is not thought that she sustained any injuries.

Helm Henry Mock said, “This individual had entered the sea on a very cold night and at a time when there was a strong tidal current running. She was very lucky to have made her way back to shore in that strong sea state and we would urge anyone not to venture into the sea in such conditions.”

The lifeboat completed the assignment and was back on station at 02:05hrs today.