At 11:50 on Saturday 23rd June, Seaford Lifeguards were alerted to reports of two members of the public cut off by the tide at Splash Point.
A lifeguard was immediately dispatched to the scene via quad bike, who then decided because of the sea conditions and that there was no immediate risk to life that launching our inshore rescue boat would not be an option at this point.
Newhaven Coastguard and Newhaven Lifeboat also arrived on scene. The assistance of Coastguard Helicopter 104 was requested as it was the most viable means of rescue. Seaford Lifeguards and Newhaven Coastguard prepared a landing site and awaited the arrival, near a local golf course, of the helicopter to transfer the two casualties ashore.
Once safely back on land, the two casualties, a Lithuanian couple living in Slough were checked over and given safety advice on the dangers of the tides and costal environments. After all was said and done it proved to be that they had no knowledge about tides or the number to call if you get into difficulty.
Jack Stonehouse, Seaford Lifeguards spokesman said” This is a prime example of why you should always check the tides before setting out on any journey along the coastline, and even more importantly finding out the emergency number if you are uncertain of it. Our advice is to always find out where the access points on the beach are and to check the weather and tides before heading to the beach.”
Remember if you get into difficulty in or around the sea call 999 and ask for the coastguard.
