Aldeburgh RNLI inshore lifeboat launch to kite surfer in difficulty
Aldeburgh RNLI inshore lifeboat launch to kite surfer in difficulty
Lifeboats News Release
At 7.06pm on Thursday 14 August, during the weekly training exercise, Aldeburgh lifeboat station was tasked by the Coastguard to a kite surfer off Shingle Street.
RNLI/Jo Litt
Launching Aldeburgh RNLI inshore lifeboat Susan Scott
The crew launched both lifeboats around 6.30pm on the weekly training exercise. The Atlantic 85,
Ralph, headed north to Southwold, practicing navigating and helming on route and joining the volunteers from Southwold station, to practice towing techniques and share knowledge.
The inshore lifeboat, Susan Scott, headed south to run through some standard training routines, when the pagers sounded. The D-class crew were diverted to Shingle Street, approximately 8 miles south of Aldeburgh beach. Conditions were good with clear visibility.
The volunteer lifeboat crew reached the kite surfer at 7.40pm to find an exhausted kite surfer being monitored by fellow kite surfers who were keeping a safe distance but ensuring their friend did not get into any further danger. The Aldeburgh volunteer crew took the exhausted kite surfer and their equipment to the Coastguard mobile unit at Shingle Street and were stood down at 7.48pm
Both Aldeburgh lifeboats returned to station, were washed down, refuelled and returned to service at 9.23pm.
If you are heading to a beach, or river, over the summer – stay safe. Invest in a waterproof pouch to keep your mobile phone safe. Ensure your phone is fully charged and wear it on your person, so it is within easy reach. If you get into difficulty, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.
If you see someone in difficulty in the water, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard. Once you have provided the appropriate information, stay at a safe distance and do not enter the water. Encourage them to float on their back. Look for anything you can throw to help them float (eg a life-ring). Keep watch until help arrives.
Notes to Editors
Aldeburgh lifeboat station has been operating since 1826 and has been part of the RNLI since 1852. Since formation, their lifeboats have launched 1,267 times and saved 693 lives.
Aldeburgh lifeboat station has two boats on service: B-class Atlantic 85, Ralph, and D class inshore lifeboat, Susan Scott.
RNLI Media contacts
For more information, please contact Jo Litt, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer: [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 or at [email protected]
RNLI/Jo Litt
Launching Aldeburgh RNLI inshore lifeboat Susan Scott
The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.
