Wells RNLI assist two people cut off by incoming tide

Wells RNLI inshore lifeboat volunteer crew launched at 3:39pm from the boathouse slipway and quickly due to good visibility located two people at 3:44pm, on a sand bar to the west of the harbour mouth. They were taken aboard the lifeboat and brought ashore to the lifeboat house. Both were found to be well and required no further medical assistance.

Mandy Humphreys, Wells RNLI Water Safety Officer and lifeboat crew member, said: 'Getting cut off by the tide can be very dangerous. Anyone who becomes cut off should call 999 and ask for the Coastguard, and stay dry and calm until help arrives. Wading through water, especially over marshes or sandbars, can be extremely hazardous, with rapidly changing depths posing a serious drowning risk.

To help avoid becoming cut off, people are advised to return to dry land with no channels or drains to cross at least four hours before Wells bar high tide time.'

The lifeboat was recovered, refuelled, and made ready for service.

Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has released its rescue figures for 2024, revealing its lifeboat crews and lifeguards saved a total of 437 lives last year – more than one life saved for every day of the year.

RNLI lifeboats launched 9,141 times in 2024, and helped 17,068 people

The charity’s lifeboat crews and beach lifeguards saved a total of 437 lives last year*

RNLI data – captured between January and December 2024 – highlights the continuing high demand for the services of volunteer lifeboat crews, with 9,141 lifeboat launches over the course of the year, and 17,068 people helped out of dangerous situations at the coast. RNLI lifeboat crews saved the lives of 352 people over the course of 2024, whilst the charity’s lifeguards saved 85 lives on beaches around the UK, assisting over 17,000 more.

For more information on the RNLI please visit rnli.org. News releases and other media resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are available at the RNLI News Centre rnli.org/news-and-media.

RNLI Media contacts For more information please telephone Jess Curtis, RNLI Media Engagement placement North and East. Volunteer Press Officer Wells RNLI on 07483488243 or [email protected] contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.