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People are being warned to check the weather before going out on the water after a lifeboat crew was called out five times in just one day.
The Sheerness RNLI, based on Sheppey, were called out to various incidents in a 24-hour period, ending what has been a busy week for the volunteers.
On Friday morning, the inshore lifeboat, 'Buster' launched following reports of a small tender with one man on board, in difficulty near the Dam Head Creek area.
The crew located the man, and while dealing with the incident, a priority call was received, directing them to another in Gillingham Strand.
Presenting greater risk, the crew quickly headed to the Strand, but while on their way, were called to say it had been resolved.
So the boat sped back to the man in the man at Dam Head, who was taken on board the lifeboat and broad back to the station.
Another call was made just after 7pm tasking the all-weather lifeboat, 'George and Ivy Swanson’ to assist a 20-foot dayboat off Garrison Point after it began having mechanical problems.
The crew swiftly located the craft which was towed back to Queenborough Harbour, safely secured by 8pm.
"With weather conditions changing literally within minutes the outcome for all involved could have been a lot worse..."
Back in action at 10am on Saturday, the lifeguards were directed to a 'multi-agency incident' but were stood down before reaching the boats.
In the afternoon, the crew went to help a kite-surfer who had got themselves into trouble in the River Medway.
While being pelted by hailstones and heavy rain, they made their way to the surfer, but were once again told to stand down as the surfer was now ashore.
Sheerness lifeboat coxswain Robin Castle said: "These calls all fortunately ended safely for all involved but with weather conditions changing literally within minutes the outcome for all involved could have been a lot worse.
"Before going out on the water check the weather forecast for the area and make sure your craft and all it’s mechanics and equipment are 100% working.
"Do not go out without any form of communication should you get into difficulties."
