Margate RNLI crews have received four call-outs in 24 hours, with two false alarms with good intent and two shouts involving rescues.
Both lifeboats were alerted around 6.30pm last night (Wednesday 7 August) following a 999 report of a capsized boat and a life raft nearby with people in the water off The Lido.
Before the lifeboats were launched local coastguard officers established the reported casualty was a capsized sailing dinghy with the local yacht club safety boat in attendance, making it a false alarm with good intent.
A similar call around 5.30am today followed with the D class lifeboat investigating a report of a person in the water off Walpole Bay. This was found to be a pot marker but volunteers say it is essential such calls are investigated.
Around 2pm today call number three followed when a 10′ RIB (rigid inflatable boat ) became deflated around a mile off The Lido. The D class lifeboat took the three occupants off and were able to tow the craft back to Margate harbour, saving their boat as well as probably their lives.
Call number four came in around 3pm today after concern about a swimmer in difficulty off Walpole Bay. The D class lifeboat was tasked and in a difficult rescue the person was picked up by the lifeboat along with one of their relatives.
A paddleboarder who also went to the person’s aid made their own way back to safety.
All the above calls were carried out with the back-up of the Margate Coastguard Rescue Team. In an emergency at sea or on the coast dial 999 and ask for the coastguard.