Reports of a windsurfer in difficulty sparks call for Poole lifeboat volunteers
Poole Lifeboat was requested to launch at 2pm, yesterday (Saturday May 23) after a report was received from a concerned member of the public ashore near to Parkstone Yacht Club, they reported seeing a windsurfer enter the water and then not re-emerge.
The Poole lifeboat volunteers were soon on scene by the Parkstone platform, where they spoke from a distance to a group of windsurfers who were out and about in the harbour, they were well organised and looking out for each other (pictured), they confirmed that they had not seen anyone else in the vicinity.
The lifeboat searched downwind towards Parkstone and Salterns, then back to the original reported position, conditions were choppy, and the WSW wind was strong, it was ideal for the thrill seekers out on their boards, with bracing winds that generated short sharp swells of sea spray.
The harbour rib joined in with the search, the lifeboat scoured the area, but as nothing untoward was found, it was considered a call with good intent.
As all was well the lifeboat returned back to the station and was made ready for service by 3pm.
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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