CCTV operators helped to save two children who got into difficulty while playing on an inflatable at the beach.
The duty security camera operator was monitoring feeds covering Mablethorpe’s Queen’s Park when he spotted the youngsters just after 3pm on Wednesday, August 3. They were holding on to black rubber ring roughly 150 metres out from the shoreline and struggling to paddle back, with the operator immediately alerting emergency services.
The 24/7 CCTV monitoring is a partnership approach based in Boston Borough Council. As the children continued to drift further out to sea, the duty CCTV operator contacted Lincolnshire Police while another operator kept a close eye on the pair, Grimsby Live reports.
All the time, the CCTV operators kept observing the children in distress and were able to quickly dispel false information given at the scene that the owners of the inflatable were safe and back on the shore.
This led to a RNLI lifeguard entering the sea where he swam 800m to safely rescue them. The children were checked over by paramedics and luckily were able to go home an hour later.
Cllr Steve Kirk, portfolio holder for the Coastal Economy who also has responsibility for Water Safety said: “This could have been a very tragic incident if it was not for the two CCTV operators’ observations, quick reporting and factual updates given to the emergency services during what was a fast-moving live incident. This could have had sad and devastating consequences.
“As well as this incident, the RNLI lifeguards have made other rescues involving inflatables in recent days on our coastline. The message is simple – don’t bring inflatables when visiting our beautiful beaches.
"They may appear to be a fun, beach accessory but we know how dangerous they can be and how quickly the current in the North Sea can change. You can quickly drift further into sea and even the best swimmers can get into difficulty.
“We want everyone who comes to the Lincolnshire coast for the day or on holiday to have a safe and enjoyable experience every time they visit. Please do not risk the dangers that come with taking an inflatable out to sea.”
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