HM Coastguard called Happisburgh Volunteers into action

Chris Risby was at the helm with Pete Walker and Harry Ronald as crew; they were informed of a yellow kayak drifting out to sea off Walcott with a person in the water, Russell Pickering was launched and made best speed towards the casualty’s last known position. They went up the coast towards Bacton keeping close to the shore so they could make best speed. En route, a windfarm vessel was seen in the area; the lifeboat called it up and asked if they could see the kayak. They reported yes they had eyes on the kayak and the person was still on board. Russell Pickering then headed to their position, and on arrival at 4.05pm, made contact with the casualty who was well, but cold, so he was taken on board the lifeboat and returned to the beach at Bacton arriving at 4.27pm where his relatives and Bacton Coastguard were waiting.

Chris Risby said ‘the casualty was over a mile offshore when picked up, 2.5 miles from the point of entering the water, traveling this distance in 20 mins, so urged people to please be aware of offshore winds and tides when on a kayak, paddleboard or boat’.

Russell Pickering then returned to station at 4.44pm and was recovered and then cleaned and refuelled ready for service again.

This was the first launch for Mike Fox who had passed out as tractor driver recently. Mike said ‘it was great to put all my training to good use’.

Happisburgh Water Safety Team would like to pass on the following advice if using a kayak or paddleboard on the water

Before you paddle away, be sure to check:

Am I wearing a Personal Flotation Device?

Can I easily reach my communication device if my vessel capsizes or floats away?

Have I checked the local Weather and Water conditions on the day?

Does somebody know where I am going and when I will be back?

Is my clothing and equipment suitable for today’s conditions?

Do I have the appropriate training for this trip?

For more information go to RNLI.org/Respect the Water or RNLI.org/kayaking

Visit to Happisburgh Station by CEO and the Head of Region

Then on Friday 29 August Happisburgh Lifeboat Station had a visit by the RNLI CEO Peter Sparkes and the new Head of Region Rebecca Felton who has only been in post for a few weeks. They spent over two hours on station talking to the Volunteers and looking around the station and Russell Pickering. The volunteers were pleased to hear their views and also to be able to put theirs to both of them.

Happisburgh Currently Operates,

· D-Class, D - 813 “Russell Pickering”

· Community Water Safety Team

· Visitors Centre

· Shop

RNLI media contacts

· Happisburgh Lifeboat Station Volunteer Press Officer PHILIP SMITH

Mobile 07766007936 E-mail [email protected]

Key facts about the RNLI

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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

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.