Margate’s RNLI inshore lifeboat rescued a man and his 11-year old daughter after they were cut off by the tide at Kingsgate today (February 3).
UK Coastguard received a call around lunchtime reporting two people cut off by the tide below the Captain Digby pub. Margate’s volunteer RNLI lifeboat crew were paged and the inshore lifeboat was launched to assist just 10 minutes after the initial call. Margate’s Coastguard Rescue Team was also tasked.
Once on the scene the lifeboat found a man and his 11-year old daughter on the beach, both were wet and showing signs of the onset of hypothermia. The father had gone into the sea with his daughter on his shoulders, spending 20 minutes up to his chest in the water in an attempt to reach safety.
Both were taken onboard the lifeboat and transferred back to the lifeboat station. They were checked out by an ambulance technician and after a warm shower and a change of clothing at the station were released into the care of members of their family.
Ian Lowe, Deputy Launching Authority, Margate lifeboat said: “The man was well prepared being familiar with the area and taking the precaution of checking the tide times, but made an error with the timings, the tides are especially high this weekend.
“If you should find yourself cut off by the tide do not enter the water but stay in the relative safety of the bay and try to raise the alarm. Before setting out let people ashore know where you are going and your expected time of return.”
Margate RNLI publishes tide times for the weekend on its facebook page each Friday morning.
A spokesman said: “We urge everyone to take these into account when planning a beach walk and importantly, if you see anyone in trouble at sea or on the coastline dial 999 and ask for the coastguard.”
