Warning after Hunstanton lifeboats launched four times in a single weekend
People are being warned not to venture out onto the sandbanks at Hunstanton Picture: Chris Bishop - Credit: Archant
Sunseekers are being warned to check tide times and not venture out onto sandbanks after a lifeeboat was called out four times over a single weekend.
On Saturday afternoon Hunstanton lifeboat was called out to reports of people being cut off by the tide on sand banks off the resort.
When the hovercraft arrived at the scene, the people had made it safely ashore.
But on the way back to the Old Hunstanton lifeboat station, the craft was diverted to Brancaster, to reports of people cut off on Scolt Head Island.
Hunstanton's inflatable lifeboat was also launched and located two people on the island.
It took them aboard and landed them on the beach into the care of the local coastguard response team.
Both craft carried out a search of the area to check no-one else needed assistance before returning to station.
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On Sunday afternoon Humber Coastguard requested the launch of the hovercraft to reports that eight people bad been cut off by the tide on the banks off Hunstanton.
On arrival four were picked up by the hovercraft, four others having made their own way safely back to shore.
Later Hunstanton lifeboat was requested to launch to reports of people cut of by tide at Brancaster.
The hovercraft was also sent to the scene. Due to the state of the tide, the hovercraft was used to evacuate the people, who were landed on beach into the care of the local coastguard, before both craft returned to station
The RNLI's Respect The Water campaign warns people that our waters are dangerously unpredictable.
Thoe planning a day by the sea should check the weather and tide times beforehand.
Many of our wide sandy beaches have gullies and channels which fill with the tide, making it easy to get cut off.
The RNLI says people should be aware of strong tidal currents and always carry a means of calling for help if they get into difficulty.
Anyone who sees someone who is cut off or in danger should call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.
