Kent lifeboats have busy summer

22 September 2010, 00:00

RNLI lifeboats around Kent coastline have been busy again this summer as new statistics issued today show. RNLI preliminary figures for June, July and August show local volunteer lifeboat crews responded to 214 incidents, over the holiday period.

But that is down on 2009 when the county's boats were called out 243 times

Here are the figures for the individual stations.

Summer 2010 (2009) launch figures

Sheerness – 35 (28),
Whitstable – 37 (38),
Margate – 22 (26),
Ramsgate – 37 (42),
Walmer – 6 (12),
Dover – 14 (35),
Littlestone – 14 (12),
Dungeness – 2 (4)
Gravesend - 47 (46)

RNLI Divisional Inspector for the East, Andrew Ashton, comments:

‘While the overall number of call outs for our lifeboat crews are slightly down on last summer, the holiday period continues to be a busy time for the RNLI. Our volunteer lifeboat crews and lifeguards responded to a variety of rescues during the holiday period – from rescuing people cut off by the tide to stricken divers, canoeists, windsurfers and boats. One crew were even launched to monitor the area while a controlled explosion of a World War II mine was carried out!

‘RNLI volunteers were, as always, ready to respond to the call for help no matter what time of day or night and we’re very grateful to them for their commitment. I would also like to thank their employers who allow them to stop work at the “bleep of a pager” to help others. Given the current economic climate for businesses and the fact that many staff are on annual leave during the summer this is a great contribution to the charity.’