Blackpool RNLI volunteers rescue paddleboarder
Blackpool RNLI volunteers were called out at 8.30pm on Friday evening (17 May) when a paddleboarder lost his paddle and was unable to reach safety.
The emergency services were alerted by the casualty who used a mobile phone to call 999 when he realised the seriousness of his situation.
The casualty set off from Cleveleys for an evening on the water when he lost his paddle and found himself drifting rapidly away from shore. Fortunately he was carrying his mobile phone in a waterproof case and was able to call the emergency services for help.
HM Coastguard requested that lifeboats launch from RNLI stations in Blackpool and Fleetwood and also asked two Coastguard rescue units to attend.
The Atlantic 85 lifeboat from Blackpool lifeboat station quickly reached the scene, rescued the casualty from the water and returned him to safety ashore.
Blackpool RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager, Keith Horrocks MBE said ‘this evening’s rescue shows just how important it is to carry a reliable means of calling for help whenever you head to the beach or out on the water. We were only able to reach the casualty so quickly this evening because he took his mobile phone in a waterproof case and called 999 and asked for the Coastguard once he realised that he would not be able to get safely back to shore.
We would urge anyone visiting the coast to Respect the Water and to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard if they find themselves in difficulty or if they see anything that gives them any cause for concern. For more safety advice and information visit www.rnli.org/safety ’
RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone Esther Lowe, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07917091948 or email [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
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
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