RNLI rescue woman adrift near Worthing Pier
The rescue was their first call out of the year.
Last updated 5th Jan 2026
A woman was recued in the water near Worthing Pier by Shoreham RNLI’s inshore lifeboat at the weekend - in near freezing conditions.
The crew took to the water at around 1pm, keeping touch with the coastguard over the radio. A police officer stood at the end of the pier was able to help direct the lifeboat to the location of the woman.
The crew pulled her to safety and took her to paramedics waiting on the beach. It was their first call of the year.
Adam Cairns, inshore lifeboat helm said: "Although the sea conditions today were calm and we had good visibility, the northerly winds meant that air temperatures were near freezing, combined with the low sea temperature. With the amount of time the casualty had spent in the water, they were very cold."
"With some excellent inter-agency working with our partners from Sussex Police, HM Coastguard rescue teams and SECAmb, we were able to quickly locate the casualty once on scene, protect them from deteriorating further and transfer them to clinical care with the support of the teams on the beach."
Colin Scott, Shoreham RNLI Launch Authority, said: "Shoreham RNLI's volunteer crew acted promptly and effectively for this rescue, which was our first shout of 2026. We wish the casualty all the best as she recovers from what must have been a traumatic ordeal."