West Kirby RNLI rescues flailing dinghy
West Kirby RNLI was tasked to launch at 1.15pm following a request to assist a an elderly gentleman whose dinghy was in difficulty on West Kirby Marine Lake.
The volunteer crew of West Kirby RNLI Lifeboat quickly assembled and launched to assist the male casualty whose dinghy had been pushed onto the promenade wall due to 25 knot winds and choppy conditions on the water. The RNLI Lifeguards, located at West Kirby Beach, were the first to arrive on the scene and were able to carry out an assessment. The volunteer crew of West Kirby RNLI lifeboat was then able to drain the water from the waterlogged dinghy, which was wedged onto the wall. The dinghy and casualty were both returned to the south end of West Kirby Marine Lake.
Following this incident West Kirby RNLI was relaunched to carry out a welfare check on a kitesurfer who had lost their board. A number of people had climbed along the rock armour to assist in located the board and West Kirby RNLI wanted to ensure that everyone was safe. The board was soon located and the kitesurfer safely onshore.
Richard Diamond, West Kirby RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager said: ‘An individual can quickly become severely cold if submerged in the water for too long even at this time of year so never hesitate to phone 999 and ask for the Coastguard if anyone is in danger near to or on the water. We are happy to help.”
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.