Blackpool RNLI volunteers rescue angler
Blackpool RNLI volunteers were called out at 9.55pm on Saturday evening (9th November) when HM Coastguard received reports that an angler had slipped into the sea at North Shore and was unable to reach safety.
One of Blackpool’s D class lifeboats launched quickly, and after a short search, located the casualty in the sea near Red Bank Road. Fortunately, a member of the public had thrown a life ring to the angler and that was helping to keep him afloat. The volunteer lifeboat crew transferred the casualty into the lifeboat before taking him back to shore and handing him into the care of HM Coastguard Fleetwood, HM Coastguard Lytham and the North West Ambulance Service.
Volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager, Keith Horrocks MBE said ‘fortunately tonight’s call out had a positive outcome; a member of the public called 999 and threw a life ring to the casualty and our volunteers found him and helped him to safety really quickly.
At this time of year, the outcome for this sort of call out could be very different so we would urge anyone that’s planning to go angling to wear a lifejacket, check the tides and to carry a means of calling for help. You can find more advice and information here - https://rnli.org/safety/choose-your-activity/angling’
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Esther Lowe Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, RNLI Blackpool telephone 01253 620424 or email [email protected]
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.