Blackpool RNLI volunteers leave crew members wedding to assist two casualties
Blackpool RNLI volunteer David Warburton had just finished saying his marriage vows on Sunday 27 May 2018 when the celebrations were interrupted by the pager tone.
Blackpool's RNLI lifeboats were called out to a capsized kayak at Cleveleys and as a result six wedding guests had to leave the church while photographs were being taken to launch one of the stations D class lifeboats and the Atlantic 85 lifeboat.
On arrival at Cleveleys, the kayaker had made it to safety but was in need of medical assistance so lifeboat crew member and paramedic Brent Kenny waded ashore to provide treatment before the ambulance arrived.
As Brent returned to the lifeboat the Atlantic 85 was tasked to a kite surfer in difficulty in Fleetwood. The lifeboat headed straight there, helped the casualty from the water and then handed over to Fleetwood lifeboat.
Blackpool's RNLI volunteers then returned to station, washed down the lifeboats and equipment before putting their suits back on and heading back to the wedding celebrations just in time for the speeches!
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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