26th April 2022. Here is a timely reminder that if you are taking to the water, no matter if it is only for a short time, you should always wear a lifejacket for safety.

Towards the end of the Easter Saturday afternoon watch at the National Coastwatch Institution station at Skegness, watchkeeper Tony G spotted two adults and a child dragging an inflatable dinghy into the sea off the beach south of the station. None of the group were wearing lifejackets.

They then got onboard the dinghy which started to drift out to sea. Someone from the beach tried to swim out to them against the incoming tide but was forced to return to shore, while the dinghy continued to drift out.

NCI Skegness informed Humber Coastguard of the situation and the Skegness Coastguard Rescue Team were alerted. While Tony was speaking to the Coastguard, the dinghies occupants managed to return to shore, after a considerable effort, so Humber Coastguard stood down the rescue team. There were no casualties on this occasion, but the story could have ended tragically. This is an example of why it is so important for safety to always wear a lifejacket when you are on the water