Morecambe lifeboat volunteers called out during VIP visit
On Wednesday 15 August 2018, the Chief Executive of the RNLI, Paul Boissier, paid a visit to Morecambe’s RNLI inshore rescue hovercraft station; where he met and talked with local volunteers.
He had just thanked the crew and local fundraisers for their contribution and hard work when the crews’ pagers went off; tasking them to go to the assistance of a man reported to be cut off by the incoming tide, near Arnside.
The inshore lifeboat was quickly launched onto a rough sea and made its way to Arnside; to be informed on arrival that the reported casualty, a paddle-boarder, had made his way safely to shore. Due to the deteriorating weather conditions, the lifeboat was recovered onto its trailer at Arnside and returned to station by road.
This was the second call-out for the crew in less than 24 hours. The day before, they were called out to go to the assistance of a man reported to be stuck in mud but were stood down before launching; when it was confirmed that the man had been able to free himself and was not in any danger.
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
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