Appledore RNLI volunteers launch to reports of surfer in difficulty

The Glanely launched at 12.15pm with four volunteer crew onboard and proceeded to Saunton as quickly as possible. Volunteer helm and station mechanic Owen Atkinson skillfully navigated the lifeboat and his crew across Bideford bar in between large sets of surf with waves 2-3m high.

On scene, the lifeboat liaised with Coastguards to begin searching for the casualty. There was large surf of around 3-4 metres with waves breaking at a distance offshore.

While the crew were afloat, Coastguard volunteers spotted a surfer walking back towards the car park. After speaking with her it was confirmed that she had been in difficulty in a rip current but had managed to get out of the water by climbing up the rocks.

The lifeboat was therefore stood down and crew returned to station.

Notes to editors

· A short video of the shout is available here:

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Emma Haines, RNLI Regional Media Officer, on 07786 668847 or emma_haines@rnli.org.uk

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 over 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 142,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter 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 or by email.