Troon RNLI lifeboats launch to kitesurfer in difficulty at South Beach Troon.

Belfast Coastguard had been notified by a concerned member of the public so tasked the stations all-weather and inshore lifeboats to the scene along with Ayr and Ardrossan Coastguard Rescue Teams.

The volunteer crew assembled and Trent class lifeboat RNLB Jim Moffat along with D class inshore lifeboat Sheena were quickly launched to assist.

After arriving on scene, it was confirmed that the kitesurfer had made their own way ashore. With this information, and with no further assistance required, the lifeboats were stood down by Belfast Coastguard and returned to Troon where they were made ‘Ready for Service’ with the assistance of the shore crew.

Troon Lifeboat Coxswain Joe Millar said: 'Thankfully on this occasion the kitesurfer made it ashore unaided but the person who notified the Coastguard did the right thing as its better to be safe than sorry. If you think you see someone in trouble at sea or on the coast, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.'

RNLI Media contacts:

Andrew Limond, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, Troon Lifeboat Station, 01292 314414 [email protected]

Gemma McDonald, RNLI Regional Media Manager for Scotland, 01738 642956, 07826 900639, [email protected]

Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Media Officer for Scotland, 01738 642986, 07920 365929, [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.