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Jersey RNLI Lifeguards save kite-surfer

Lifeboats News Release

RNLI Lifeguards yesterday (August 10) saved a kite-surfers life after he was spotted in difficulty off a lifeguarded beach.

RNLI

The rough sea breaking against the sea wall
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With an onshore winds gusting to 35 mph and breaking seas the kite-surfer was spotted by an on-duty Senior Lifeguard struggling in the conditions. The kite-surfer had detached from his kit and was clearly in need of help.

A lifeguard entered the rough conditions with a rescue tube and swam out about 100 meters in breaking waves of 2 meters to the casualty’s location. He was placed in the rescue tube and the lifeguard made his way back towards the beach in the rough conditions. As they approached the shore a team of other lifeguards helped them both to safety.

The kite surfer was un-harmed but a little shaken after the ordeal.

Lifeguard Supervisor Nathan Elms said;
‘The on-duty team of RNLI Lifeguards worked well together choosing the best swimmer to go in. The conditions were rough and the waves we reflecting back off the promenade which made conditions difficult to carry out the rescue. Thankfully this happened off the RNLI Lifeguarded beach so he was seen before the situation got worse.’

RNLI

The beach lifeguard unit overlooking the sea
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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.

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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.

About the author

David Riley
National Media Officer, National

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