3 days Ago
A person on an inflatable was rescued after being blown far out to sea. The Newhaven RNLI lifeboat crew were called at 6.12pm on Saturday, April 5, after reports of an inflatable being blown out to sea from Seaford Beach.
The RNLI launched their D class inshore lifeboat, D-890 Bill Hall, with four crew members to the last known location of the inflatable, about a quarter of a mile offshore in Seaford Bay. The person was found one mile southeast of Newhaven. The lifeboat crew confirmed that the individual was alone, and no other casualties were involved.
Once the person had been brought on board the lifeboat, the crew conducted welfare checks on them, checking that they had no injuries and had not inhaled any water. The crew also recovered the inflatable boat. The person was wearing a buoyancy aid and had a mobile phone with them.
They were returned to their family on Seaford Beach. The lifeboat returned to Newhaven Lifeboat Station to wash down and refuel. The crew pagers were back on at 7.
25pm. Dan Wittenberg, D class helm, said: "Once the casualty was onboard the lifeboat, we made sure they were safe and well, and also provided a waterproof blanket to keep them warm and dry. "Inflatables are great fun in a swimming pool but with an offshore breeze, it’s easy to find yourself in trouble very quickly.
" "When visiting the south coast over the coming months it is important to know the risks. "You should always have means of calling for help if you, or someone else around you gets into trouble. "Call 999 and ask for the Coastguard if you, or someone around you gets into trouble in the water.
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