A record number of 2,878 people were rescued as a result of action by H.M.

Coastguards in the 12 months ending 31st March, 1969. This was 379 more than in the previous 12 months. Coastguards took part in 2,444 rescue operations during the year compared with 2,161 in 1967-1968.

Nearly a quarter—588—of these rescues took place around the south east coast, and of this total 354 were accidents affecting yachts, motor boats and small craft. Of the 2,444 incidents nearly half—1,030—involved small craft..