Quick thinking off duty Rock RNLI volunteer calls the lifeboat

He noticed seven people on the water using a Zap Cat powerboat at high speed, and witnessed it suddenly flip-over, resulting in some of the passengers ending up in the water. Without hesitation, Ollie phoned the lifeboat station, where he knew the D class lifeboat Rusper II was out on exercise.
The volunteer lifeboat crew were diverted immediately from their exercise to the scene where they recovered two people who were suffering from cold water shock. The two casualties were taken back to the station and warmed up carefully with hot showers and hot drinks.
Ollie said 'Although I wasn't on exercise myself, I knew our lifeboat was out on a training exercise, and my younger sister Buffy was on the crew. I took quick action, and the crew, including my sister were able to attend immediately.'
Ollie added 'We remind people to behave responsibly and respect the water, and if anyone sees anyone in difficulty on the water, they should call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.'
The lifeboat crew towed the damaged boat back to Rock.

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

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.