On Friday 31 July, at 16:05hrs, Exmouth RNLI were tasked by H.M.Coastguard to reports of a swimmer and a paddleboarder in difficulty off Langstone Rocks between Dawlish and Dawlish Warren. Our volunteer Launch Authority requested the immediate launch of our inshore, D-Class lifeboat, George Bearman II, which launched in calm conditions with a light offshore breeze.
The volunteer crew of four made best speed to the location where three casualties were located, two males and one female. One male paddleboarder and one male swimmer were assessed to be safe and well and were able to self-recover to the beach. The female swimmer had been on an inflatable bed in the water but was having difficulty getting back to the shore due to the offshore wind. She was taken aboard the Exmouth RNLI inshore lifeboat and taken back to the beach.
Content that all three casulaties were safe and well, the Exmouth RNLI volunteer crew returned to the lifeboat station where the charity’s lifeboat was washed down and re-fuelled, ready for the next call.
The 999 call to the coastguard was made by walkers on the cliff path who noticed the swimmers who appeared to be in difficulty.
Thank you to everyone who looks out for the safety of others at the coast.