Perranporth RNLI lifeguards rescue stranded kite surfer

RNLI lifeguards supervisor and colleague were carrying out regular patrols at the water’s edge when they spotted the casualty struggling in the choppy one foot swell.

They immediately launched the inshore rescue boat (IRB) to rescue the casualty and recover his board and kit.

The casualty Rory Jenkins said:

‘I would like to thank the lifeguards for their help. As a local to Perranporth and a regular kite surfer it is amazing to know that the lifeguards are always there. I made sure to pack down my gear as soon as I saw them coming to help me to prevent anything getting caught in the lifeguard’s boat engine.’

Sam Chamberlain, RNLI lifeguard supervisor said:

‘The conditions on the day were really good for kite surfing but the RNLI always advises that equipment failure does happen and to be prepared for that. In this case, we were aided by the casualty who knew to clear away any lines from his kite so we could assist him without any further difficulty. The RNLI also suggests checking what size of kites other riders are using. If you do not have the correct size, do not go out.

We always advise people at the coast to visit a lifeguarded beach and to keep an eye on any changes in weather or surf conditions. We are on patrol at Perranporth daily 10am-6pm until 30 September.’

Notes to Editor:

• Attached is a video of the rescue – credit RNLI

• RNLI lifeguards patrol over 249 beaches around the UK and Channel Islands

• To find your local lifeguarded beach go to https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest

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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