Callout: Reports of an Overdue Swimmer, Seaton

Date: 07.09.26

Time Paged: 21:20

Callout #11

Sidmouth Independent Lifeboat was paged following concerns for a potentially overdue swimmer off Seaton Beach.

A bag containing personal belongings, including car keys, had been discovered on the otherwise empty beach, raising concerns that someone may still have been in the water.

Our volunteer crew launched and was making its way to Seaton when we were stood down by Solent Coastguard after the person had been identified and confirmed safe.

Beer Coastguard Rescue Team, Lyme Regis Coastguard and RNLI Lyme Regis were also tasked to the incident. Following enquiries and a search of the beach and surrounding area, Coastguard teams were able to establish that the bag had been reported missing earlier in the day. The owner was contacted and subsequently reunited with their belongings.

Thankfully, there was no one missing at sea.

The person who raised the alarm did exactly the right thing. Finding unattended belongings on a beach can be a genuine cause for concern, and we would always encourage people to report anything that suggests someone may be in difficulty.

Our thanks to all the Coastguard and lifeboat teams involved for their swift response and teamwork.

If you have concerns for someone’s safety at sea or along the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.