RNLI crews called out to concern for swimmer off Blackpool coast
Blackpool RNLI volunteers were called into action yesterday evening following concerns for the safety of a swimmer off the coast near the Cliffs Hotel.
At 8.50pm, Blackpool HM Coastguard paged the charity's volunteer crew after receiving reports of a person in the water.
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In response, both of Blackpool's D class lifeboats, Blackpool Endeavour and Phyllis Rowan, were launched and crews made their way to the reported location.
However, by the time the lifeboats arrived on scene, the person of concern had safely self-recovered to the Promenade and was with Coastguard officers on the shoreline.
With no further assistance required, both lifeboats were stood down and returned to Blackpool Lifeboat Station, where crews washed down the vessels and prepared them for any future emergencies.
The incident was the RNLI station's 14th call for service in the past seven days, highlighting a particularly busy period for Blackpool's volunteer crews.
Earlier on Friday evening, the station's Lifeboat Press Officer appeared on BBC North West Tonight to discuss the recent spike in deployments and to offer basic water safety advice to the public.
During the interview, he stressed the importance of acting quickly when concerns arise around the coast, reminding people that seconds can matter in an emergency.
The RNLI is urging anyone who spots someone in difficulty at sea or along the coastline to call 999 and ask for HM Coastguard immediately.
A spokesperson for RNLI Blackpool, said: “At 8.50pm Friday evening, Blackpool RNLI volunteers were paged by HM Coastguard to a concern for safety of a swimmer off the Cliffs Hotel. Both D class Lifeboats, Blackpool Endeavor and Phyllis Rowen were launched by crews and made to the area. On arrival, the person of concern had self recovered to the Promenade area, and was with Coastguard officers on the shoreline.
“At this point, both Lifeboats were stood down and returned to the Lifeboat Station to be washed down and made ready for the next call.This was the 14th call for service in the past seven days.”