Well done to Jacob Jenner, Joe Carter and Joe Caddick, and all of Ryde Beach Lifeguards for rescuing the mother and son in trouble on Sandown beach (CP, 27-08-21).

It was a very successful rescue that shows clearly that most people who go in the sea (apart from recreational swimmers of course) did not plan or expect to do so.

It also shows the critical value of lifeguarded beaches, and the fact that walking along the edge of the sea can turn out to be more dangerous than one might imagine.

RNLI statistics indicate that more people walking near a beach (with or without a dog) require to be rescued than any major watersport. Please take care.