Exmouth RNLI assist with injured windsurfer
The volunteer crew of Exmouth RNLI's inshore lifeboat discovered an injured windsurfer during an exercise this afternoon (Saturday 7 November) off Exmouth Beach.
At about 2pm whilst engaged in an exercise, the volunteer lifesaving crew came across a windsurfer who appeared to be struggling against the tide.
The lifeboat was manned by Helm, Harry Griffin and crew Mark Cockman and new crew volunteer Dougie Wright, in what was his first lifesaving assignment.
The lifeboat had been launched a short time earlier by shore crew Robert Thompson and John Dinsdale on a pre-planned exercise when the lifesavers spotted the individual in difficulty in the sea some distance off Exmouth Lifeboat Station.
Due to the circumstances and location, the crew were on the scene immediately where they discovered the individual had dislocated his shoulder. They took the casualty on board, administered first aid and transported him to the safety of shore.
Once on land the casualty was able to put his shoulder back in place without further medical or other aid, at which point the lifeboat resumed its exercise.
Ends
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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 142,700 lives.
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