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Poole RNLI launch to false alarm with good intent

Lifeboats News Release

Poole’s Inshore lifeboat was launched by UK Coastguard (Friday, February 19) just after 4.30pm.

RNLI/Poole

Poole D class inshore lifeboat
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A call had been received from a concerned member of the public alerting the Coastguard, they had observed a kite surfer in difficulty. The kite surfer had been sighted at Whitley Lake and appeared to be struggling in the conditions.

The D class was soon away and made its way down the harbour where conditions were breezy with showers, there was a southerly wind force 4-5 whipping up a sharp chop.

As the lifeboat volunteers approached the area, they saw a couple of kite surfers enjoying the conditions, and then a green sail struggling in the water about a ½ mile off the shore.

The lifeboat approached and found the person chest deep in the water, wrestling with their equipment, they were wing surfing which is like a kite surfer but with a hand-held inflatable sail.

The person was fine, within their depth, in no danger and did not require any help, it was a call with good intent.

Volunteer Helm, Dave Riley said: ‘The member of the public did absolutely the right thing, reporting what they perceived as, someone in difficulty, it is always better to be safe than sorry, safety is always our priority’.

The lifeboat returned to station, after refuelling and a wash down it was made ready for service just before 5pm.

This was the 10th call out for the Poole volunteers so far this year.

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.

About the author

Anne-Marie Clark
Lifeboat Press Officer, Poole Lifeboat Station

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