Mudeford RNLI launch to windsurfer in trouble
RNLI Mudeford was paged at 9.45am on Sunday after a 999 call to the Coastguard from a member of the public.
The caller reported that a windsurfer was observed to be in difficulty off Milford-on-Sea.
RNLI Mudeford Lifeboat launched and proceeded into strong winds and moderate to rough sea conditions in Christchurch bay to Milford - where we the crew then started a short search to the east, coming across the casualty near Hurst Castle.
He was brought on board and checked for any injuries, the effects of cold, or water inhalation by the volunteer crew.
After speaking to the casualty about the dangers of secondary drowning (which can happen within a few minutes or up to three days later) he was put ashore at Keyhaven Yacht Club.
The crew paid tribute to the observational skills of members of the public without whose vigilance the outcome might have been very different. They also advised water users to keep a close eye on weather conditions with the current high winds, and to let someone know where they've gone and when they're expecting to be back.
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.