RNLI in South West see significant increase in people rescued

RNLI lifeboat's in the South West has seen a huge increase in the amount of people who were aided by crews compared to the previous year.

In 2019 lifeboats across the South West launched 11 times to people in difficulty with inflatables and 8 people were helped.

In 2020 there were 7 launches and 13 people aided. This is an increase of 62.5% in people aided.

In terms of waterside activities (which include paddling, beach combing, playing games, horse riding and cycling), RNLI lifeboats in the South West launched 13 times to these types of incidents and helped 12 people in 2019.

This year, there were 14 launches and 20 people helped – an increase of 66.7%

The growing popularity of paddleboards this year is also reflected in the figures.

Last year, the South West’s lifeboats launched five times and two paddleboarders were assisted.

However, In 2020 the number of launches to this activity increased to 12 and 13 people were assisted by the volunteer crews.

• RNLI
• southwest