HM Coastguard Rye Bay

Over the weekend the Rye Bay team has been in attendance at Camber Sands where it's been especially busy because of the fine weather.

Together with HM Coastguard Romney Marsh we carried out a series of patrols along the shore together with the local beach wardens and RNLI lifeguards. Pett Level Independent Rescue Boat were also at Camber patrolling offshore.

We dealt with multiple incidences of missing children (and one elderly lady) brought about by the extremely crowded beach. Fortunately all were swiftly reunited with their parents. Since the two teams were already on scene we were able to assist immediately.

On fine days such as this what can appear to be a perfectly safe environment is still potentially hazardous. Even with a flat calm sea visitors are still often caught out by the speed of the incoming tide. And with the shear volume of people on the beach children (and sometimes adults) often become separated from their families with no way of contacting them.

If you are on a busy beach and unable to find your child please either speak to a beach warden or call 999 and ask for Coastguard.

We're always looking for new recruits. If you are interested in becoming a Coastguard Rescue Officer please click on the following link https://www.gov.uk/volun.../areas-where-you-can-apply-online

On Thursday, together with members of our flank team HM Coastguard Romney Marsh, we were tasked to a report of a possible explosive device partially buried in the sand on Camber beach.

As we were unable to safely identify the object a call was put in to EOD who arrived soon afterwards and were able to remove it from the sand. It was subsequently found to be harmless.

Although items of this nature are often found washed up on our beaches it is advisable to call 999 and ask for Coastguard if you spot something which could potentially be harmful.

The last few weeks have been very busy for the Rye Bay team. With plenty of sunshine over the latter part of the summer break and beyond a lot people have been out and about visiting our beaches.

Last Saturday morning, together with HM Coastguard - Hastings, we were tasked to a report of someone on the beach at Winchelsea feeling faint and dizzy and unable to return to their car.

We managed to locate the casualty who was lying on the sand about halfway between the low and high water marks just east of Dogs Hill.

With the tide rapidly turning we had just enough time to undertake some medical observations before assisting the lady off the beach for onward transportation to A&E.

Fortunately the lady was out walking with a friend who was able to make the initial 999 call and this action alone saved vital time in the recovery.

On Wednesday afternoon the Rye Bay team were tasked to a report of a capsized boat with 4 people in the water. With the help of Pett Level Independent Rescue Boat and local fisherman the casualties were recovered from the water and returned to Rye Harbour, one of them being treated for shock by paramedics. Since all of their keys and mobile phones were still on the capsized boat we had some difficulty trying to contact relatives but suceeded eventually. Many thanks to Tony and Sharon for their kindness in ensuring that the casualties were fed and watered whilst they awaited a lift home.

When using pleasure craft at sea it is always a good idea to leave personal items such as keys and a spare mobile phone in a safe place ashore. It is also advisable to inform friends or relatives of your plans so that they can contact us/be contacted in the event of an accident at sea.

If you get into difficulty whilst on the water please call 999 straight away and ask for Coastguard.