RNLI Bridlington launched to rescue windsurfer

At 1:37pm, Bridlington Lifeboat Station received a shout from HM Coastguard concerning a stranded windsurfer.

The 74-year-old had been windsurfing just off Fraisthorpe beach, when he became separated from his windsurf board. The casualty was clinging to a buoy two miles offshore, supported by two fellow windsurfers.

A member of the public called the Coastguard to alert RNLI Bridlington. The inshore lifeboat (ILB), Ernie Wellings D852, launched at 1:56pm in search of the casualty.

The team located the casualty at 2:12pm and he was assessed by the casualty care trained crew once aboard the IRB. The casualty did not require any medical attention.

Shortly after, RNLI Bridlington located the windsurfer’s equipment and returned him and his equipment to Fraisthorpe beach.

If you find yourself or anyone else in trouble in and around the water when visiting a lifeguarded beach, please dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.

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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 142,700 lives.

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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Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.