A swimmer was rescued by Margate RNLI last night after getting into difficulties in water off the harbour.
UK Coastguard requested that Margate RNLI’s inshore lifeboat be brought to immediate readiness after it received a report of the swimmer possibly in difficulties. Margate Coastguard Rescue Team was also tasked.
Upon their arrival at the station, the lifeboat crew agreed the inshore lifeboat should launch to assess the male swimmer’s situation. Once on scene he was taken on board the lifeboat and landed back at the boathouse where he received care for jellyfish stings and signs of hypothermia.
An ambulance had been tasked to the lifeboat station and after being checked over by paramedics the swimmer was released.
Peter Barker, Deputy Launching Authority, Margate RNLI said: “While we are experiencing a warm spell of weather the sea remains relatively cold. We urge swimmers to swim parallel to and close to the shore and not directly out to sea. If you encounter difficulties while swimming follow the RNLI’s ‘How to Float’ advice (see https://www.respectthewater.com/ ), wave your arms and shout for help. If you are ashore and see anything untoward dial 999 and ask for coastguard.”