Adult male windsurfer recovered from sea at West Kirby

The windsurfer had experienced difficulties whilst on the water resulting in the loss of his sail. The RNLI Lifeguard jet ski had been in the vicinity and was able to assist the casualty, however, required additional support so as to be able to retrieve the casualty’s sail. The volunteer crew of RNLI West Kirby Lifeboat’s launch vehicle proceeded to the scene over West Kirby beach. Upon sighting the casualty by the tide line, the three crew members transferred him and his windsurfing board to the BV tractor.

After a 20 minute search, the RNLI Lifeguard jet ski successfully recovered the sail and it was brought ashore approximately in the area near to Middle Eye. The sail was de-rigged and returned to the casualty. The casualty did not require any medical assistance and it was agreed to that he should be transferred to Stanley Road Slipway as his car was parked near by.

RNLI West Kirby Lifeboat returned to the station and undertook the tradition of getting volunteer crew member, Nic Griffiths, to ring the station’s bell to celebrate his first ‘shout’. RNLI West Kirby Lifeboat was then washed down and prepared for service.

Ed Rowland, RNLI Deputy Launching Authority for West Kirby’s RNLI Lifeboat, says: ‘The RNLI plays a vital role in ensuring the safety of visitors to this area and today reflects the importance of teamwork to achieve a successful outcome. RNLI West Kirby undertakes training exercises with the local RNLI Lifeguards to be able to respond quickly and appropriately in such situations.’

Notes to editors

• West Kirby Sea lifeboat station has been operating since 1966. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to www.rnli.org.uk.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Ed Rowland, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07429 277294 or Vicky Gaskin on 07786 237824 RNLI Volunteer Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer or Public Relations on 01202 336789.

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.

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.