Exmouth RNLI Crew volunteers rescue a dog and a kite-surfer in one weekend

A mobile call to the UK Coastguard triggered Crew volunteers’ pagers to launch inshore D class lifeboat George Bearman II at 2pm on 24 February. A dog was trapped on a ledge on Langstone Rock, two miles west of the lifeboat station. Crew volunteers were on scene within eight minutes and discovered that the spaniel had fallen into the water during a walk and had managed to scramble onto the ledge in the strong surf. One of the Crew climbed onto the ledge and recovered the dog to the tearful owner who had wisely not entered the water herself and instead had called 999 for help. Crew volunteers gave safety advice for the future.

On 25 February, Crew volunteers were just ending a familiarisation training session at the lifeboat station when they witnessed a kite-surfer half a mile west of the boathouse. George Bearman II launched at 12.10pm to investigate. On scene within two minutes, Crew found the kite-surfer had been separated from his board and was grateful to be recovered ashore to the beach to safety.

The conditions were challenging with a swell of 1.5 metres and an approximate sea temperature of 8 degrees. Volunteers continued to monitor two windsurfers also thought to be in difficulty, but a further launch was not needed.

Exmouth RNLI Community Safety Officer, Dave Littlefield advises:

‘Consider surfing in small groups of at least twos, so you can watch out for one another. Never ride out further than you can swim back. Take means of communication with you in case you find yourself in difficulty and always tell someone you are going out and when you will be back.’

Notes to Editors

Photos: (credit: Exmouth RNLI)

PR260218 Inshore lifeboat George Bearman II recovers after kite surfer rescue.

For more information please telephone Emma Tarling, Exmouth RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07837 810082 or email: [email protected] or Carrie Garrad, RNLI Regional Media Officer, on 07786 668847 or [email protected]

Alternatively you can contact the RNLI Duty Press Officer on 01202 336789

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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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