Lifeboat Crew pull Two girls from water at Bembridge fort walk urged to seek medical help

An plea is being made to the parents of two young girls, who are said to have been ‘seconds from death’ after falling in deep water whilst attending the annual Bembridge fort walk is to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Just as the Bembridge Fort Walk was concluding the lifeboat crew members on Bembridge RNLI’s inshore lifeboat spotted 2 girls in difficulty in the water. Crew onboard the lifeboat jumped into the water and pulled the girls – said to be aged around 7 and 10 – to safety. They had fallen into a dredging hole. With the 2 youngsters safely on board the lifeboat, they were taken to shore to be reunited with the remaining members of their party – a male (thought to be an uncle) and another 2 young children. Unfortunately, the male left the scene without leaving any details with the Coastguard and without the girls being checked over medically. Concerns have been raised about the potential for secondary drowning as it is understood the youngsters inhaled an amount of water. The Lifeboat Operations Manager at Bembridge RNLI is asking for the family members to ensure the girls are seen by medical staff as soon as possible. They should call 111 and if the children’s condition is deteriorating 999. UPDATED: The family, from Shanklin, have made contact with the RNLI this evening following this appeal. They have been advised to be aware of the risks of secondary drowning. The girl’s mother says that the duo were not out of the depth, but in fact the panic was over lost shoes. Thank you to everyone who shared this appeal far and wide in the interests of the children’s safety.