Margate RNLI responds following concern for windsurfer
Margate’s RNLI inshore lifeboat was in action earlier this evening following concerns for the safety of a windsurfer off Minnis Bay.
RNLI lifeguards on duty at Minnis Bay contacted UK Coastguard around 6pm this evening (Sunday 18 August) expressing concern for a windsurfer sitting on his board around 400m off the coast.
Margate’s RNLI inshore lifeboat was tasked to investigate and upon its arrival at the scene established that the windsurfer had made his way ashore onto rocks. The RNLI lifeguards checked on his welfare and after confirming all was well and that he was not in need of assistance the lifeboat returned to station.
Nick Smith, Deputy Launching Authority, Margate RNLI said: “This was a false alarm with good intent from a reliable source and we encourage anyone who sees similar situations to err on the side of caution and dial 999 and ask for coastguard. We would rather respond early than experience a delay that could make a subsequent search and rescue operation more complex.”
ENDS
RNLI Media contacts
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Peter Barker, RNLI Margate Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer 07974 064304 peter_barker@rnli.org.uk
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Paul Dunt, Regional Media Officer (SouthEast), 0207 6207416, 07786 668825 paul_dunt@rnli.org.uk
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For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789
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