Dart RNLI launches twice in quick succession
Two youths in a kayak and a man on a windsurfer each separately required help in difficult wind and sea conditions by Dart RNLI on Friday (6 August).
Two boys had planned to paddle their kayak from Warfleet to Blackpool Sands when they were reported by a member of the public to be in the water. They had not capsized but were soaked in the choppy seas and strong headwinds. They were escorted by the Dart RNLI B class inshore lifeboat to the Coastguard Rescue team waiting for them on the beach.
About 40 minutes after their return to station the volunteers were called out again; this time to a man who had launched his windsurfer from Slapton Sands and was in difficulty. He was rescued half a mile off Forest Cove, after multiple calls from the public as he kept capsizing in the difficult sea and wind conditions. He was taken on board the lifeboat with his craft and taken to Blackpool Sands.
The photo was taken by Judith Pennell, on a visiting yacht as the B class inshore lifeboat set off to assist the windsurfer in Start Bay.
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.