Eastbourne’s RNLI volunteers were called into action twice on Sunday 17 August, as large crowds gathered for the final day of the town’s International Airshow.
At 3:25pm, the charity’s All-Weather Lifeboat was tasked by Solent Coastguard to reports of a child struggling in the water at Seaford Bay. As the crew raced through worsening sea conditions, updated information confirmed that two people—a child and an adult—were clinging to a paddleboard being blown offshore by strong winds.
With the lifeboat still around 25 minutes away, the Coastguard issued a Mayday relay appealing to nearby vessels. Fortunately, both casualties made it safely ashore before the lifeboat arrived. With no further help required, the crew stood down and briefly returned to the airshow in time to watch the Red Arrows.
Just over an hour later, at 4:31pm, the lifeboat was once again scrambled—this time to reports of multiple people in difficulty in the water near the Wish Tower on Eastbourne seafront.
The lifeboat launched at speed, but by the time the crew arrived, the casualties had already been rescued by beach lifeguards and were receiving care from Coastguard Rescue Officers. All persons were accounted for, and the lifeboat was stood down before returning to station after what the RNLI described as a “long day on the water.”
Reminder to Stay Safe
The RNLI urged visitors and residents to stay vigilant when enjoying the coast and reminded the public: In an emergency at the coast, always dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.
