Fleetwood RNLI rescue wind surfer

UK Coastguard called RNLI Fleetwood at 2.40pm and both lifeboats were immediately launched, along with the Coastguard Search and Rescue helicopter based at Caernarfon to help with the search. The wind surfer was eventually spotted by the SAR helicopter and directed the ILB to pick up the casualty.

The wind surfer was cold and wet, but otherwise in good spirits, considering the danger he was in and was safely handed over to Knott End Coastguard Rescue Team.

Coxswain Gary Randles said: ‘It was lucky he was picked up quickly. The conditions were challenging and especially tough for the volunteer inshore lifeboat crew. It made the search quite difficult. The wind surfer was extremely cold when he was picked up, but declined medical assistance. We were grateful for the support from both the Coastguard and the Coastguard helicopter.'

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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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