Two shouts in one day – Friday 25 April
On Friday 25 April Appledore RNLI were involved in two shouts.
Just after midnight the volunteer crew of Appledore RNLI were tasked to a multiagency incident up river but were stood down before arrival on scene. Then just after 4.15 pm the same day, the Coastguards paged the volunteer crew directly for the immediate launch of the inshore lifeboat indicating a significant emergency.
An emergency call had reported two surfers in the water, about 50 yards off the beach at the north end of Saunton Beach. One person appeared to be waving for assistance and the other appeared unconscious.
The lifeboat was launched as speedily as possible and on arrival on scene the casualty was found face down on a surfboard being assisted by the second surfer. Although conscious the casualty had sustained a cut to his forehead and was in shock. He was given casualty care by the lifeboat crew and taken to the lifeboat station; the helicopter which has also been tasked was stood down. On return to station a paramedic was waiting to treat the casualty who was then transferred to an ambulance and conveyed to hospital. The casualty's surfboard was also recovered to the Lifeboat Station.
Bob Meller, Appledore RNLI's Lifeboat Operations Manager says: 'Please if you see anyone on, or near, the water who appears to be in difficulty, phone 999 and ask for the Coatguards. The crew would prefer to be paged for a potential emergency which turns out to be a false alarm, than not to be called and find out someone really needeed our help.'
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.
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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.