An RNLI rescue crew has experienced difficulties reaching their lifeboat station after designated emergency parking spaces were occupied during a rescue call-out on Sunday (24 May 2026).
The volunteers were called out to reports of seven people, including four children, stranded on a sandbank near the entrance to Wells Harbour in Norfolk, on England’s east coast.
The group, who had become surrounded by deep water, was located and all seven people were taken aboard the lifeboat and returned safely to the main beach. No injuries were reported and no further assistance was required.
“We fully understand that Wells is extremely busy in good weather, and we want everyone to enjoy their time at the coast,” Wells RNLI lifeboat operations manager Chris Hardy says. “But in an emergency, every minute matters, and our crew need to be able to access the station without delay.
“When our volunteer crew’s pagers go off, they leave their homes, workplaces and families to get to the lifeboat station as quickly and safely as possible.
“Today, our crew experienced difficulties parking when responding to this shout. The restricted parking near the lifeboat station is clearly marked for RNLI crew and emergency access, and it is vital that these spaces are kept clear.”
Hardy reminds visitors to respect the crew parking restrictions and to respect Holkham staff when they are enforcing them on RNLI’s behalf.
The RNLI issued an additional reminder asking visitors not to park in emergency access areas, RNLI crew spaces, slipways or turning areas, after more problems were reported yesterday morning (25 May 2026).
Wells RNLI water safety officer Mandy Humphreys says: “We want people to enjoy our beautiful coastline, but the tide at Wells can come in very quickly and the landscape changes all the time.
“Sandbanks and channels can look safe one moment and become surrounded by deep water the next. It can catch out anyone, even those who know the area well.
“Please check tide times before heading out, return to dry sand or land at least four hours before Wells Bar high tide, and if you see anyone in difficulty, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
“We never judge anyone who needs our help. We simply want everyone to enjoy the coast safely and go home safely.”
The launch took place during a busy day along the Norfolk coast as a period of unseasonably warm weather brought increased visitor numbers to the area.
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