Horse rider air lifted after fall at Burnham beach on New Year's Day
The horse was luckily uninjured
Last updated 2nd Jan 2023
Beach goers in Burnham-on-Sea had to evacuate after a horse rider took a tumble on the sand at Berrow Beach, on New Year's Day.
Burnham Coastguard Rescue Team were alerted just after 12:30 yesterday (Sunday, 1 January) that a horse rider was hurt after her horse decided to roll in the sand.
Due to incoming tide and the type of injuries, rescue teams had to call in a helicopter to transport the rider out of the beach.
A spokesperson from Burnham Coastguard Rescue Team said:
"The beach is a popular place among horse riders and while gently exercising their horses one of them decided to have a playful roll in the sand which unfortunately resulted in the rider being hurt.
"With her injuries we knew that the usual methods of extraction would not be possible.
"The tide was coming in so a land ambulance was not advisable. The only way to extract from the beach was via helicopter.
"We liaised with our Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre who agreed it was the right option and quickly set about the process of tasking a helicopter."
Working with Sedgemoor beach wardens, an area of the beach was cordoned off to enable a safe rescue operation, and the woman was air lifted to hospital.
Luckily the horse, which decided to roll in the sand, causing the accident, didn’t suffer any injuries.
"The horse had already been secured and back in the horsebox before our arrival and is fine", said a spokesperson from Burnham Coastguard Rescue Team.
"We wish her (the horse rider) all the best and a speedy recovery.
"Thanks to the beach wardens who were fantastic as always and helped us maintain the cordon while we were busy.
"Also to the members of public who stopped to help the casualty by providing care and support until we arrived."