Instow Coastguard in Instow, Devon, United Kingdom | Life Saving

The primary purpose of the Instow Coastguard, United Kingdom, rescue team is to carry out Search and Rescue operations in the Taw Torridge estuary from Barnstaple Long Bridge to Bideford Steel Bridge. The Instow Coastguard will also provide back up to the Cliff rescue teams at Croyde, Westward Ho and Hartland as well as to other SAR assets if required.The Instow Coastguard team specialises as a Mud Rescue unit and is equipped and trained to recover casualties from the mud areas within the estuary.

The Instow Coastguard team also has a capability of Rapid Water Rescue, enabling a casualty to be retrieved from the water without the use of a boat. HM Coastguard Mud Rescue teams operate under a set of procedures and guidelines laid down by the MCA. These procedures and guidelines promote the safety and wellbeing of both the casualty and the rescuer.