COASTGUARD REMIND HOLIDAYMAKERS TO CHECK THE TIDE TIMES

Press Release: 217-11                                                                               2 August 2011
At 05.40pm, Falmouth Coastguard received a 999 call from a man who found himself and his boat in difficulty. He had gone into Porthbeor Beach with his wife and child to have a picnic. Unfortunately, they found themselves in difficulty when they attempted to re-launch due to challenging sea conditions.
Falmouth Coastguard called out Coastguard rescue teams from Portscatho and Falmouth, along with the Falmouth RNLI ILB to assist. Mother and child managed to get to a safe point ashore, but the man was stranded, and cut off by the rising tide on the beach. The ILB was unable to rescue the man due the sea conditions, and the Coastguard teams successfully recovered the man to the cliff top and waiting ambulance.
The family are staying at a local campsite.
Twenty minutes later, Falmouth Coastguard received another 999 call reporting five persons cut off at Portholland. Two managed to get to a place of safety unaided, but 3 had to be rescued by the Falmouth RNLI Lifeboat and ILB, overseen by the Mevagissey Coastguard rescue team. The three individuals were recovered by the lifeboat and dropped at St Mawes Harbour.
This group are also visitors to the area.
Martin Bidmead, Duty Watch Manager, Falmouth Coastguard said:
Incidents such as these could easily be avoided with some prior planning and preparation. Tides occur twice during a twenty four period around the coasts of the United Kingdom. Tide tables can be purchased from most local shops in coastal towns and villages.
Preparation and planning based on tidal information could prevent your day trip being spoilt by having to be rescued from your predicament.

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