Swimmer rescued half mile off shore

Budleigh man wasn't in "proper state"

Someone swimming off Budleigh Salterton on Bank Holiday Monday's been rescued by Exmouth RNLI, half mile out to sea.

Both Exmouth lifeboats, an inshore vessel and all-weather one, headed out after a number of people called the coastguard, just after 5 p.m.

Following an extensive search, the swimmer was located and rescued. He was taken to the safety of shore at Budleigh Salterton by the crew of the inshore iifeboat where he was met by members of the coastguard. He wasn't hurt.

On the way back to Exmouth's lifeboat station, the inshore lifeboat crew saw more danger on the beach between Orcombe Point and Sandy Bay at a time when the incoming tide could have presented a hazard. The group were given advice by the crew members and kept under observation until they had reached a safe area.  Both lifeboats were back within about an hour and a half. 

Exmouth RNLI helm Henry Mock said: “This was a very serious incident in which a gentleman had gone into the sea at Budleigh Salterton whilst not in a proper state to swim. He had got into difficulties almost immediately and found himself being swept out. It was very fortunate that several members of the public had witnessed the incident, dialled 999 for help, and we were able to get to the scene very quickly to give assistance. It was clear to me that the man was not capable of swimming back to shore himself. I would urge anyone thinking of swimming in the sea to make sure you are equipped, fit and able to do so, that it’s safe to swim and you are aware of the tides, current and the wave conditions. I’m glad this was a successful rescue and no-one came to any harm.”

As the charity that saves lives at sea, the RNLI have published dedicated ‘Know The Risks’ water safety advice that can be found on the national RNLI website at :  https://rnli.org/safety/know-the-risks