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Two swimmers treated after getting caught in riptides by notorious sandbar off Lepe beach




TWO swimmers needed medical treatment after getting caught in riptides by a notorious sandbar off a New Forest beach on Saturday.

Lymington Coastguard and Cowes RNLI rescuers rushed to the scene in response to reports the pair, a man and a woman in their 30s, were in difficulty by Lepe Spit off Lepe beach.

The alarm was raised shortly after 8pm and, despite making it ashore themselves, both were suffering from cold and the effects of swallowing sea water.

A warning sign at Lepe beach
A warning sign at Lepe beach

Lifeboat crew member Dr Will King administered oxygen before they were handed over to paramedics for assessment.

The woman was then taken by ambulance to hospital to be treated further, but no details of her condition were available.

As the RNLI was about to leave, another four swimmers was seen entering the water and another couple were seen on the spit.

The coastguard team spoke to these swimmers and issued advice concerning the danger posed by currents.

The waters around Lepe beach have been the scene of several incidents in recent years, including the death of a 51-year-old man last summer.

As reported in the A&T, he was among a family of four who got into difficulty about a quarter of a mile from the shore while using inflatable paddle boards launched from their motor cruiser.

Found unconscious in the water, the casualty was airlifted to Southampton General Hospital by coastguard helicopter but later pronounced dead.

Last summer also saw two incidents of children having to be rescued after being swept away by strong currents off Lepe beach by the occasionally submerged sandbar.

A Lymington Coastguard spokesperson warned Lepe beach visitors to check the tides and weather conditions.

“Always swim within a safe area and within your depth and capability,” he said, adding people should call the coastguard on 999 if they get into difficulty.



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