Exmouth RNLI finds missing child, helps with medical emergency in busy weekend

Exmouth RNLI's lifesavers were tasked to a number of emergencies off Exmouth seafront over the weekend.

Paddleboarders in difficulty, medical emergency

At just after 8pm on Saturday (27 May) HM Coastguard tasked the volunteer crew of Exmouth RNLI relief inshore lifeboat to a report of a paddleboarder in difficulty off Orcombe Point, Exmouth.

The inshore lifeboat immediately sped to the reported location where they discovered the paddleboarder who was no longer in difficulty and did not require assistance.

The charity's lifesavers were en route back to Exmouth Lifeboat Station when HM Coastguard diverted them to a report of a female with a medical emergency on the beach close to Exmouth Lifeboat Station. They quickly located the individual where they gave casualty care until the arrival of an ambulance.

Then at 9.26pm the same day, HM Coastguard tasked the crew of Exmouth RNLI relief inshore lifeboat to a report of a number of paddleboarders in difficulty off Exmouth seafront. 

The lifeboat immediately sped to the reported location where they discovered the paddleboarders had self-recovered to the beach, were safe and well, and no longer required assistance.

Missing child

At 12.49pm on Sunday (28 May), HM Coastguard tasked the crew of Exmouth RNLI relief inshore lifeboat to assist Police in the search for a missing child on Exmouth beach, last seen by the water's edge. An Exmouth Coastguard Rescue Team were also called to assist as were the safety boats on the River Exe.

The inshore lifeboat launched almost immediately and commenced a shoreline search of Exmouth seafront.

Once the shorecrew had completed their launching duties, they too joined in the search along Exmouth beach and at about 1.05pm RNLI volunteer Robert Thompson found the missing child safe and well at that location.

Satisfied that the tasking had been successfully completed and the child reunited with parents, HM Coastguard stood down all assets at 1.11pm. The inshore lifeboat returned to the lifeboat station and was back on service shortly afterwards.