Horton and Port Eynon RNLI lifeboat rescues windsurfer
Horton and Port Eynon RNLI lifeboat rescues windsurfer
Lifeboats News Release
As the Horton and Port Eynon lifeboat was being recovered after a training exercise today (Sunday 25 May), members of the lifeboat crew were approached by a number of windsurfers who were concerned about a windsurfer in difficulty in the sea at Port Eynon Bay.
The lifeboat was immediately re-launched and made a search of the bay. The crew saw a windsurfer waving at them, clearly trying to draw their attention.
The crew made their way to him and saw another person in the sea close by. He was wearing a wetsuit and was almost 400m offshore. He had been separated from his windsurf. The man was taken on board the lifeboat and taken back to shore.
The wind was blowing at force 4 and there was a 1m swell. Had the windsurfer, close to the man in the water, not drawn the crew’s attention – it would have been extremely difficult to have spotted the man in the water.
The lifeboat was again launched shortly after 4pm that same day. Information had been received of a kitesurfer in difficulty. A search of the area was made but no kitesurfer could be found.
Lawrie Grove, Lifeboat Operations Manager for Horton and Port Eynon Station said:
‘We want people to have fun when heading out on the water, however incidents can happen even for the most experienced water users.
‘When going windsurfing always carry a means of calling for help such as a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch. In the event of an emergency, if possible, try and stay with your equipment, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
‘Weather conditions, particularly offshore winds and strong tidal currents can make it more difficult or even impossible to return to the shore, so it is really important to check the forecast and tide times before you head out.
‘Remember to wear a well-fitted buoyancy aid or personal floatation device as this will help you float if you end up in the water unexpectedly.’
RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone Brin Hurford, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07968 269 550 or [email protected] .
Alternatively you can contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Regional Communications Manager on [email protected] or 07977 728 315, or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
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.
