St Bees RNLI’s Sunday morning alarm call

St Bees RNLI volunteers were paged at 9:07am on Sunday 12 May after a member of the public called Belfast Coastguard.

A member of the public dialled 999 and reported what they thought was a kayaker in difficulty just off St Bees beach. St Bees lifeboat was launched and quickly arrived on scene. The volunteer crew spoke to the kayaker who said he was not in any difficulty and did not require assistance. St Bees volunteers were then stood down.

Whitehaven Coastguard were also in attendance.

This was a false alarm with good intent.

Dick Beddows St Bees RNLI operations manger said ‘in this instance the kayaker was not in need of assistance but it is best to be sure. We would encourage anyone in doubt to always dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard’.

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.