Camber lifeguards have disbanded for the winter after a busy season that began on May 26 and ended on October 28.
Rob Cass, Coastal Officer for Camber beaches reflected: “The RNLI lifeguard service gives us a valuable resource in prevention and ultimately in reacting to incidents in the water. It is now an integral part of the operation involving RDC (Rother District Council), Sussex Police, SECamb (South East Coast Ambulance Service) and HM Coastguard. This summer has been extremely busy because of the hot weather. The experience has provided invaluable ‘on the job training’ for the lifeguards and has stood them in good stead for future years. They faced all the challenges that the sea and shoreline could throw at them and as a result of their high-quality training and fitness they coped with flying colours. They dealt with crowds of 25,000 plus and missing children, sometimes as many as 30 or more a day. Medical attention given to the public involved treating anaphylactic shock, unconscious adults, heart-related problems, stings and burns from barbecues.”
This summer the lifeguards and the beach patrols reunited more than 300 missing children with their thankful parents. Low tide is the most challenging scenario for missing children: they wander down to the water-line, often 600 metres from the sandy beach, and have a paddle with a sibling. When they realise the tide is coming in they decide to go back to their parents but are thrown into confusion with so many people on the beach and cannot find them. Parents are advised to keep their children in their sight at all times and to respect the water.
It is very obvious that the lifeguards love their job and are very dedicated at saving lives at sea but today was full of mixed emotions. The team will be disbanded after the last day of the season. They have made good friends while working together and bonds have been forged. New experiences await many of them until they come together again next season. One of the team, Leon Driver is off to New Zealand to be a lifeguard there. He will use his skills learnt here with the RNLI but will also train as a member of the crew and helm on their inflatable rescue boats. They use boats much more in the New Zealand lifeguard service which is a bonus for Leon. He is looking forward to the challenges and hopes to be back at Camber next summer.
Camber Sands has been a safe place for families this year with so many services working together to ensure that the seaside is a happy family experience. The lifeguards teach visitors to respect the sea and the tides and ensure that they return home with memories of a great fun holiday.
Image Credits: Kt Bruce , kt Bruce .
Camber Sands has become iconic. It is a natural beauty on the south cost loved by many.
However the dangers of the beach were highlighted in a couple of devastating instances last year.
I am grateful that Rob has had backup of such high quality that this years season has passed with no dire consequences.
Well done all.