RNLI warning after callout to rescue surfer during lockdown
The callout happened off Aberdeen beach on Tuesday afternoon
The RNLI is urging everyone to stay out of the water during the coronavirus lockdown, after being called out to rescue a surfer at Aberdeen beach.
The crew of the inshore lifeboat were forced to leave their homes on Tuesday afternoon following a request from the UK Coastguard.
The surfer had been reported to be having difficulty getting back on their board or swimming ashore however, by the time the lifeboat arrived, was on their board and in no immediate danger. After speaking with the lifeboat crew, the surfer made his own way ashore.
The RNLI always says that any member of the public who is concerned for someone’s safety must not hesitate to call the Coastguard. The only action which could have prevented the crew from being called out would today have been if this surfer had stayed at home.
Bill Deans MBE, operations manager at Aberdeen Lifeboat Station, is disappointed his crew had to expose themselves to risk in this way.
“Like most people, our volunteer lifeboat crew members are self-isolating at home in line with government guidelines - mostly doing their day-jobs remotely. But they are always willing to set aside their own concerns to respond if the call comes that someone is in danger at sea,” says Mr Deans.
“There is no way a lifeboat crew of three can maintain 2m separation aboard a 5 metre long lifeboat - and if they had required to pull someone from the water, the infection concerns are obvious to all.”
Bill Deans continued: “I have every sympathy with people who would like to use their daily exercise period to swim, sail, surf or whatever - but on behalf of every lifeboat crewmember in the UK and Ireland, I have to appeal to them not to put our crews at indirect risk by going into or onto the sea. Stay safe ashore, protect the emergency services and save lives.”