Bridlington RNLI lifeboat volunteers assist windsurfer

Volunteers at Bridlington RNLI were paged and launched the inshore lifeboat at 1:44pm on Sunday (24 May) to assist a windsurfer off Wilsthorpe beach, just south of Bridlington. The man was one of a number of board sailors and it was a fellow windsurfer who raised the alarm, staying with the man until the lifeboat arrived.

At the scene the casualty was lifted onto the lifeboat and assessed. Inshore lifeboat helm Andy Webber said "the man told us he was not feeling well but had improved while he was in the water." The decision was made to take the man back to shore where the Coastguard took over his care. The volunteer crew members then returned to collect the man's board.

RNLI crews continue to provide a fully operational, round the clock rescue service throughout the coronavirus crisis and have launched a joint campaign with HM Coastguard to promote beach safety. When visiting the seaside this summer, the public are urged to read local safety signs, to not use inflatables, to look out for their family and help save lives.

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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

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.