The Moelfre RNLI inshore Lifeboat was launched on Thursday (20th) to reports of two adults being blown out to sea in an inflatable dingy 200 meters off Lligwy beach on Anglesey.
The 35 year old from Blackpool had been on the inflatable with her partner when they began to get blown out to sea by the strong South Westerly force 5 gusting force 6 wind. She then decided to try and swim to the shore, but very quickly began to struggle and was quickly becoming exhausted. Fortunately a passing boat pulled her out of the sea, along with her husband and transferred them to the shore just as the Moelfre RNLI Inshore Lifeboat arrived at the scene.
Volunteer RNLI Lifeboat Crewmember Alan Owen, who is also a RNLI trained first aider, assisted the Moelfre Coastguard members in treating the patient for signs of hypothermia until the Ambulance arrived and took over her treatment.
Dave Massey Moelfre RNLI Lifeboat Press officer said:
“This lady, despite being in the sea for 15 minutes and being extremely cold was very lucky today. She had jumped from the inflatable, was not wearing appropriate waterproof clothing or wearing a buoyancy aid and was rapidly becoming exhausted.
“The RNLI would always discourage any one from using these inflatables, but if they do then please take simple safety precautions like:
- “Always keep an eye on the weather and sea state.
- Always have a rope attached between the shore and the inflatable.
- Wear suitable waterproof clothes.
- Wear a correctly fitted buoyancy aid.
- If you do get into difficulties always stay with the inflatable and attract attention to yourself by shouting and waving.”
By a remarkable coincidence this lady was the owner of the dog who was rescued by the Moelfre RNLI Inshore Lifeboat volunteer crew three days ago after he fell 40 feet down a cliff face at Moelfre. See Lucky escape for Scrappy after Anglesey cliff plunge
