Newquay RNLI respond to 999 swimmer alert
Newquay’s RNLI volunteers launched both inshore lifeboats on Friday evening (16 April) after a member of the public called 999 to report a swimmer in difficulties in the sea at Fistral Beach
The charity's crews launched from Newquay Harbour at 6.25pm and searched the length of Fistral Bay in calm seas and a light south easterly wind, alongside the Coastguard search & rescue helicopter and Newquay Coastguard rescue team.
After searching the whole area and consulting with the first informant, the Coastguard believe the swimmer had got safely out of the water around South Fistral.
Satisfied that the call was a false alarm with good intent and that nobody was in difficulties on this occasion, the RNLI volunteers were stood down by the Coastguard and returned to the lifeboat station shortly after 7pm.
Gareth Horner, Newquay RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager said: ‘With a busy year expected on local beaches, if you see someone in difficulties at the coast, don't hesitate to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Our RNLI volunteers and emergency services colleagues would always rather respond and confirm everyone's safe’.
Notes to editors
**Newquay RNLI’s shop at Newquay Harbour reopened last week and is open 11am-4pm every day (subject to volunteers’ availability) for shopping that saves lives at sea**
Newquay lifeboat station first opened in 1860. Today’s RNLI volunteers operate two inshore lifeboats and are on call 24-hours-a-day to save live lives at sea. You can now donate to Newquay RNLI online and support the work of our lifeboat volunteers: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/newquay-rnli-lifesavers-fund-2021
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Andy Hobkinson, Newquay RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer at [email protected] or 07880 507464 or Marianne Quinn, Regional Media Officer at [email protected] or 07786 668847 or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
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.