A mum has met the three crew members who rescued her and her son after they got into trouble while enjoying a day at Walpole Bay in August this year.
Paula Maguire, who is originally from Dublin but now lives in Margate, regularly visits the Walpole Bay tidal pool with her son Henry. Henry is 25 years old and has severe autism with limited speech.
Henry finds the water therapeutic, and his family try to take him as often as they can as he enjoys swimming so much.
Although they know the area well, around 30 minutes after Paula and Henry had started to enjoy the water on 9 August, Paula realised they had unintentionally drifted outside of the pool walls when a tidal current pulled them out.
Paula said: “I started swimming in and nudging Henry back with me – he wouldn’t move and that’s when I knew we were in trouble.
“I felt like I wasn’t in control – he didn’t realise the danger, but the tide had already pulled us out of the tidal pool and he refused to swim back to shore.
“We’d been in the water for 40 minutes by then and were starting to get cold.”
Paula began to shout to the shore to her husband, Trevor, to call the Coastguard, a paddleboarder arrived to help and someone threw in a rubber ring.
As she saw the lifeboat approach Paula said she was ‘incredibly relieved’.
She added: “The crew were so lovely and kind and were ‘sensitive to Henry’s autism and special needs. I didn’t even have to explain it to them.
“They were supportive, sensitive and reassured me they wouldn’t leave us.
“They tried to tempt Henry into the boat. Then they encouraged me to get into the boat in the hope he’d follow. The crew were so patient, they said ‘if it takes all day, we’ve got all day.
“I have no doubt they saved our lives – I’m grateful I’ve had the opportunity to thank them – it means so much to us to know that the RNLI are there keeping us all safe.”
Volunteer crew member Lucy Maling, who took part in the rescue, said: “Paula and her family did the right thing by ringing 999 and asking for the Coastguard.
“No matter the situation we will always be there to help keep people safe.
“It’s been incredibly moving to meet Paula, the last time I saw her was during the rescue, so hearing her kind words means a great deal.
“We are all really proud of the service we provide for the people of Margate.”
Regional water safety lead and volunteer helm at Margate Guy Addington said: “Even regular water users can get caught out when the tide changes.
“You don’t realise what is happening until it is too late, and the sea can pull you in different directions.
“It’s important to check the tide times before going into the sea and to always let someone know where you are and when you expect to back.
“I’m so glad it was a positive ending for Henry and his mum Paula and that we were able to help. By bravely sharing their story they will help to spread awareness of the dangers of the water for others.”
If you are caught out by the tide remember:
– Float to live – tilt you head back with ears submerged and try to breathe normally.
– Don’t try to swim against it or you’ll get exhausted.
– If you can stand, wade don’t swim.
– If you can, swim parallel to the shore and then head for shore.
– Always raise your hand and shout for help.
– If you see someone in danger in the water call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
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