At 09:15hrs, HM Coastguard requested the launch of both boats to a report of a missing swimmer off Budleigh.
The all-weather Shannon lifeboat, R and J Welburn, and the D-class inshore lifeboat, George Bearman II, were launched swiftly in slight seas and north-westerly winds.
The volunteer crews were afloat within 20 minutes. The information received advised that four swimmers had entered the water at Budleigh Salterton beach but only three had made it back to the beach. The three swimmers had raised the alarm when their fellow swimmer did not return within 10 minutes and the Exmouth RNLI lifeboats made best speed to the area to begin a search for the missing swimmer.
Fortunately, by the time the D-class had reached Budleigh, the experienced swimmer had made her own way safely back to the beach and was confirmed to be safe and well. The all-weather lifeboat, which was still en-route, was stood down and made its way back to the Exmouth RNLI lifeboat station.
This shout is called a “false alarm with good intent” and we are always grateful to members of the public for having their eyes on the water and making the call to the coastguard. We would always encourage anyone with concerns to call 999 and ask for the coastguard and when the pager goes we are always ready.