School is shut. The holidays have started. And the weather is as unpredictable as the waves. High winds and heavy rain have been matched by bright sun, clear blue skies and higher temperatures – and wind and sun both bring their own and different problems.
When the local freshly shorn sheep and lambs hunker down on the marshy fields, as they did this week, instead of grazing, bad weather was clearly close by and holidaymakers headed for cover – often in the shops. However, both kinds of weather, windy or sunny, bring their problems for the emergency services. Wind and waves may call out the coastguards and lifeboat crews while sun and sand keep the beach patrols (pictured below) busy – and all kinds of weather may need the paramedics and ambulances.
Rother District Council funds a joint operation in summer time with Sussex Police called Operation Radcott and, while missing children and inflatables drifting out to sea may be a frequent problem, other issues include domestic violence, alcohol and drug abuse, public order and, inevitably, traffic jams.
On Sunday (July 26) as the rain poured down and the wind blew, Rye Harbour relief RNLI lifeboat B-875 Alexander launched late afternoon to assist a Cabin Cruiser suffering engine failure and washed ashore in rough seas. The owner had deployed the anchor but it would not hold against the swell of the sea. While the lifeboat crew were on their way, Dover Coastguard informed the volunteer crew of our local lifeboat that the casualty had gone aground off the Mary Stanford Lifeboat House at Winchelsea Beach.
The lifeboat arrived on the scene nine minutes later to find the casualty had aground, with the owner still on board, but could not go alongside because of the rough surf. Instead, the owner was helped ashore by the Coastguard. Andrew Tollett, Deputy Launching Authority at Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat Station said: “To stay safe always check the weather forecast and tide times. The sea is unpredictable and, at times, a dangerous place”. Every year RNLI lifeboats go to the aid of thousands of yachts and motorboats. [Sources of additional information: RNLI, Sussex Police and Rother District Council]
Photo: RNLI’s Tim Dickinson.