RNLI crews rescue 245 people from the River Thames in just one year

28 January 2016

Enough people to fill three double decker buses were rescued from the River Thames last year, new figures show.

RNLI crews from London’s three lifeboat stations - Tower, Chiswick and Teddington – were launched a total 770 times in 2015 and rescued 245 people.

Across callouts to the three stations, 19 people pulled from the Thames would have died if it was not for the work of the lifeboat crews.

Adam Robson, London’s RNLI community incident reduction manager, said: “To think that 19 people would have died in London last year if it wasn’t for our lifeboat crews is a sobering thought, but it is one our charity’s volunteers, fundraisers, crews and supporters should be proud of.

“Plunging into the icy cold waters of the River Thames can cripple even the young and fit.

“Cold water shock can take control in seconds causing uncontrollable gasping which draws water into the lungs and makes it almost impossible to swim, or even stay afloat.”

The latest figures from the RNLI also show Tower and Chiswick stations were the busiest in the UK throughout last year.

Crews at Tower lifeboat station, next to Waterloo Bridge, were launched 465 times, rescued 90 people and saved 15 lives.

Chiswick lifeboat station, the second busiest in the UK, were called upon 227 times and rescued 135, with three lives saved.

Further along the Thames, volunteer crew members at Teddington lifeboat station were launched 78 times, rescued 20 people and saved one life.

Mr Robson added: “The River Thames is used safely by thousands of people every day but people need to respect the water or it will catch you out in seconds.

“Slips, trips or falls can happen all too easily especially if you’ve been drinking.

“If you fall in to the rivers fast flowing water, even if you’re a strong swimmer, the current will beat you.”

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RNLI crews rescue 245 people from the River Thames in just one year

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