Weston-super-Mare RNLI crew assist fallen horse rider on beach
The local volunteer RNLI crew were requested to attend the incident near to the Tropicana on Weston’s seafront by Milford Haven Coastguard on Sunday 30 September. The initial report was made by members of the public stating that a young rider had been injured falling from her horse.
Weston’s lifeboat’s, the D Class Anna Stock and Atlantic 75 Paul Alexander, were already afloat conducting training exercises in Weston Bay when the request for help was received.
Both lifeboats immediately diverted from the exercise and arrived at the casualty within 3 minutes, where the crew made their way ashore to assist. This was a multi-agency call in co-operation with the Weston Coastguard Rescue Team, Beach Rangers, Avon and Somerset Constabulary, South Western Ambulance Service and the Great Western Air Ambulance.
Additional casualty care trained RNLI volunteers were also dispatched from the lifeboat station with extra first aid equipment.
Due to the nature of the casualties’ injuries, which included a suspected dislocated hip, the air ambulance was requested to make the transfer to the Bristol Royal Hospital for Children.
Atlantic 75 lifeboat Helm Andy Stone said: ‘We were able to attend to the casualty very quickly due to being in close proximity at the time. This call demonstrates the range of emergency situations that we can be called upon for. This is why we conduct regular training for a variety of scenarios’.
If you believe you see or hear someone in danger at the coast, always dial 999 and ask for the coastguard.
To find out how you can stay safe while enjoying your water activity, visit www.RespectTheWater.com
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
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.