Lucky Lad Rescued After Drifting Over a Mile Offshore in Inflatable Dinghy
An 11-year-old boy was plucked from the sea more than a mile offshore after strong winds blew his orange inflatable dinghy out to sea near Dungeness, Kent. The youngster, cold and wet but otherwise unharmed, was found by the heroic Dungeness RNLI lifeboat crew on the UK’s hottest day ever recorded.
Family’s Terrifying Ordeal on Hottest UK Day
The boy had been enjoying a beach day with his family when sudden gusts caught his dinghy and carried him offshore. As panicked parents watched, the boy’s mother urged him to stay put and not attempt to swim back. A quick-thinking member of the public dialled 999 to call in the Coastguard.
RNLI Lifeboat Rushes to Rescue
The volunteer RNLI crew launched immediately. Footage shows the lifeboat edging alongside the bright orange dinghy bobbing alone in the vast sea. One volunteer noted the dinghy had travelled a “long distance in a short time.” Another crew member gave the brave boy a thumbs up and praised him for staying put.
“Well done for staying there,” the volunteer said, as she safely pulled the boy aboard, holding him close after the ordeal. The lad managed a relieved smile after being rescued.
The team also recovered the family dinghy and returned it to shore. The mother said, “I shouted to him to stay still and stay on the boat, and he listened.” She was overwhelmed with relief when her son was returned safely. One crew member said, “We didn’t save him, he saved himself by staying on the inflatable dinghy.”
RNLI Warns of Danger on Open Water
Volunteer Stuart Richardson praised the family for calling 999 promptly and commended the boy for staying put. “When we found him, he was cold and scared but otherwise fine. We warmed him up with blankets, drinks, and cookies before reuniting him with his family.”
Richardson warned beachgoers: “This incident shows how quickly offshore winds can blow inflatables far out to sea. Always check wind directions and stick to lifeguarded beaches, swimming between red and yellow flags.”
RNLI Lifesavers: Summer Heroes
RNLI crews expect busy summers. Last year, 41 lives were saved during the holidays, nearly 40% of them children under 13. The RNLI operates 238 stations across the UK and Ireland, saving more than 142,700 lives since 1824.
Remember: Stay safe by choosing lifeguarded spots and respecting wind conditions when heading out on the water.
