Swimmer rescued off Worthing pier

London, 6 May/GNN/ -- MARITIME AND COASTGUARD AGENCY News Release (Duty Press Notice) issued by The Government News Network on 6 May 2008 At ten past eight this evening Solent Coastguard received a

The man, in his early thirties, had been drinking on the beach with a group
of friends when he decided to go for a swim, and was last sighted swimming
out towards a line of marker buoys moored 400 metres offshore.

Solent Coastguard immediately scrambled Coastguard Rescue Helicopter Mike
Uniform, and tasked Shoreham Inshore Lifeboat and Shoreham Coastguard Rescue
Team to the scene.

The Inshore Lifeboat began a search Eastward of where the man had last been
sighted and came across him soon afterward, recovering the casualty into
the lifeboat and bringing him back to shore. The helicopter landed on the
beach where her on -board paramedic assessed the casualty and advised
that he needed immediate medical attention. He was subsequently airlifted
to Worthing Hospital for treatment.

Solent Coastguard Watch Manager Mike O' Sullivan said:

"This incident provides a stark reminder - once again - that alcohol and
the sea do not mix. Excessive alcohol impairs judgment and reaction times
which can lead to tragic and often fatal accidents. If it were not for the
swift response of the lifeboat and helicopter, this could easily have ended
in tragedy. Our message is, as always, don't drink and drown."

For further information please contact
Maritime and Coastguard Agency Press Office, on:
(023) 8032 9401

Press releases and further information about the Agency is available on the
Web at www.mcga.gov.uk

Source: Maritime and Coastguard Agency

2008-05-06 18:17:15 0354594 PRNEWSWIRE