Margate’s two RNLI lifeboats and RNLI lifeguards rescue paddle boarders
Margate’s two RNLI lifeboats and RNLI lifeguards rescue paddle boarders
Lifeboats News Release
Both Margate RNLI lifeboats together with RNLI lifeguards from Margate and Joss Bay and local coastguards have rescued two paddle boarders in strong wind conditions and rough seas.
RNLI lifeguards at Joss Bay, Broadstairs contacted UK Coastguard around 1.30pm today (Sunday 28 June) reporting they were attempting to rescue two persons on a paddle board around 250m offshore. They were being blown seawards in a strong offshore wind and choppy seas and requested further assistance.
In view of the adverse weather and urgency of the tasking Margate’s RNLI inshore lifeboat was launched to assist supported by the all-weather lifeboat. Margate RNLI lifeguards also responded with their rescue water craft (RWC); Margate’s coastguard rescue team (CRT) were also tasked.
Guided by the CRT, the inshore lifeboat was quickly on scene and after assessing the situation transferred the two paddle boarders in to the care of the coastguards ashore. The lifeguard RWC, also on scene remained with the paddle board until the inshore lifeboat returned to transfer one of the Joss Bay lifeguards and the paddle board ashore, the RWC returning the second Joss Bay lifeguard to shore.
The inshore lifeboat and RWC returned to station escorted by the all-weather lifeboat in what was by then near-gale force wind conditions.
Ian Lowe, Deputy Launching Authority said: ‘Conditions deteriorated rapidly justifying the multiple unit response. We urge people to take great care if the wind is blowing off the land, it may be calm close inshore but once away from the lee of the land small craft and swimmers can be quickly swept seawards.’
ENDS
Photo caption: Margate RNLI all-weather lifeboat (left) escorting the inshore lifeboat and lifeguard rescue water craft back to station (RNLI Margate)
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.
