Dorset, Health & Lifestyle | Posted on May 18th, 2020 | return to news
Be prepared when you go out to sea
With people getting out on the water as lockdown rules are gradually eased, Poole Lifeboat crew has already been in action after a jet ski broke down with two people onboard.
Poole Lifeboat was requested to launch by UK Coastguard on Thursday, 14 May. The jet skiers had drifted with the tide and washed up on the wetland just west of Cleavel point.
Both casualties were very cold and were transferred onboard the D class to conduct casualty care checks and get them warmed up. The jet ski was taken under tow back to Baiter Slipway where it had been launched.
Volunteer lifeboat helm Suzie Jupp said, “Though it was a sunny afternoon, the wind chill was quite significant and the water temperature quite chilly, conditions can change very quickly. The jet skiers did have means to call for help and did the right thing.”
The lifeboat crew followed COVID-19 considerations throughout and donned face masks and gloves, however it is a challenge to social distance in a lifeboat.
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With this in mind the RNLI crew is asking anyone considering going out on the water to think about the following, highlighting the fact that if you’re not prepared, you can easily get caught out:
- Wear a suitable personal flotation device and have it serviced and checked. A life jacket could save your life or give you some time until a lifeboat can get to you.
- Always carry a means of calling for help in case you do end up in trouble.
- If you are alone on the water, tell someone ashore what your plans are, and what time you expect to be back.
- Before you go afloat check the tides, and the weather and check you have enough fuel.
- If you end up in the water – just take a minute – the initial shock of being in cold water can cause you to gasp and panic. The effects of cold-water shock pass in less than a minute so don’t try to swim straight away.
- Relax and float: float on your back while you catch your breath.
- Keep calm: once you’re calm, call for help. Swim for safety if you are able.
- If you see someone else in difficulty, please call 999 or 112. Ask for the coastguard.
Suzie Jupp added, “It’s a difficult time for all of us at present, and we know how long people have been itching to get out on the water, ‘suns out’ and the ‘call of the brine’, exercise boosts our endorphins and we don’t want to spoil anyone’s fun, we never condone, we will always be there when you really need us.”
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Tags: #poolelifeboat, #savelives, #staysafe
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