999 Call Highlights Risk of Being Swept Out to Sea

The Coastguard have released a new video featuring a real 999 call with Coastguard Gavin and holidaymaker Jenny whose friend Andy was swept out to sea.

The Coastguard say..

"Like many others we rescue, Andy never imagined the worst would happen to him at the coast.

Conditions at the coast can be unpredictable and change unexpectedly; even the most experienced of us can get caught out.

It could easily happen you"

The Coastguard are asking anyone planning to visit the coast this Easter once lockdown restrictions are eased, to follow their simple safety tips:

• Take a fully charged phone so you can call for help if you need it
• Tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to be back
• Check the weather, tides and conditions before heading out
• If you fall into cold water, relax and float on your back, then call for help
• Remember, if you get into trouble at sea or on the coast call 999 and ask for the Coastguard and we will send someone to help you.

The call featured in the video was made by Jenny Winnard who found herself calling 999 after a friend was swept into the sea by a rogue wave.

Jenny and husband Phil were on holiday in Cornwall with friends Andy and Liz when events took a dramatic turn and Andy was left battling to stay alive.

The group had enjoyed a cliff top walk and the men found a spot on the rocks to settle down for fishing.

The sea was very calm but out of nowhere a rogue wave took Andy off his feet and he was swept into the sea.

Andy initially tried to pull himself from the water but the shock of the cold water and the swell pushing him against the rocks made it impossible. Realisation hit that he needed to preserve his energy and float to survive.

Jenny made the important 999 call to the coastguard and Andy was winched to safety by the search and rescue helicopter.

Andy was taken to hospital with wife Liz by his side. He suffered broken ribs and there was concern that his oxygen levels had dropped but he was incredibly lucky and was discharged later that afternoon.

Jenny said:

“You don’t think something like this will ever happen to you, but you need to consider that it might and make sure you are prepared for it.

“Think about what you are doing – the sea was calm but the rocks that Andy positioned himself on were wet, a sign that the waves had been crashing over them. Do you have safety equipment? – they should have been wearing life jackets fishing off the rocks. Finally know who to call – I froze when Phil asked me to call the coastguard and didn’t know what number to dial. I now know it is 999.

“We were a family that spent a lot of time at the coast but this incident has had a massive impact on us and left us feeling traumatised.”

Director of HM Coastguard Claire Hughes said:

“Never, ever think it won’t happen to you. We’ve heard stories from so many people, some of whom know their coastlines and tide times well, who’ve been out for walks or who are strong swimmers and experts in their watersports who have found themselves suddenly needing help because something has changed.

“Regardless of how well you know the coast, or how experienced you are in your chosen sport, the sea can still catch you out, the cliffs can prove treacherous and even a momentary lapse of concentration can put you in difficulty.

“We will always respond to those in need but all we ask is that you think twice about what you do and where you go.”

If you get into trouble at sea or on the coast call 999 and ask for the Coastguard and we will come to your aid. But coronavirus hasn’t gone away and we all need to follow the rules.

Remember your choices might put people, including yourself and frontline responders, at risk. Take extra care in these extraordinary times.