Man dies following water rescue operation in Plymouth
The RNLI launched a search yesterday near Tinside Pool
Last updated 1st Mar 2021
A man has died after being rescued from the sea at Plymouth Hoe.
The RNLI were called near Tinside Pool yesterday afternoon (28 February) with reports of a missing swimmer.
Devon and Cornwall Police say they were contacted by Derriford Hospital, confirming the 41-year-old's death.
The death isn't being treated as suspicious and his next-of-kin have been informed.
A spokesperson from the force said:
"Police were contacted by Derriford Hospital at around 3.05pm on Sunday February 28 with a report that a man, who had been recovered from the sea at Plymouth Hoe by the Ministry of Defence and RNLI, had been pronounced deceased.
"The deceased, a 41-year-old man, was subsequently identified and his next-of-kin informed.
"The death is not currently being treated as suspicious and a file is being prepared for the coroner."
The call out has urged the RNLI to issue a warning about open water swimming.
They say it can be 'exhilarating', but it's 'not without risk'.
They also add if it's your first time, to speak to a health care professional.
A spokesperson from the charity issued this statement:
"Plymouth RNLI Volunteers launch both Inshore Lifeboat (Annabel E Jones) and All Weather Lifeboat (Sybil Mullen Glover) to reports of a missing swimmer in the vicinity of Tinside Pool on Plymouth Hoe.
"Thank you to The MOD Police Boat crew, South Western ambulance service and Plymouth Coastguard for their assistance today."
The charity are now urging people to follow these tips if you plan on trying open water swimming:
"Going for a swim in cold, open water can be exhilarating, but it's not without risk."
"If it's your first time open water swimming or cold water dipping, it's important to speak to a health care professional to discuss the risks of cold water immersion before you go.
"Always arrange to go with a buddy. Open water swimming is much more fun with someone else, and you can look out for each other. It's also good to tell someone on shore where you are going and when you will be back. They'll be able to call for help if you are overdue back.
"Our volunteers remain on call, ready to help others during this lockdown. However, we urge everyone to think carefully about using the sea for exercise or recreation in case you get into difficulty.
"When our volunteer crews are called to an incident, it puts additional pressure on them and other frontline emergency services, as well as potentially exposing them to COVID-19. Please take care and follow government instructions: stay home, protect our healthcare workers and save lives."
The RNLI say to:
- Check tide times daily
- Take a full-charged phone
- If going afloat, always wear a lifejacket or other personal flotation device and take a means of calling for help
- Check your equipment is in good working order
- Be aware of the conditions and your capabilities and only enter the water if it is safe to do so
- In an emergency call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard
- Additional safety advice at www.rnli.org/safety