However before they were scheduled to launch on Saturday morning the crew were paged to a a small fishing vessel that had lost power off the highlights at Whitby.
The all weather lifeboat was launched and remained on standby as the vessel was towed into the harbour by another fishing boat.
The crew returned to the station briefly before a launch to monitor the maritime exclusion zone during a Lancaster flyover as well as an aerial display “Pitt’s Special.” The lifeboat remained on standby throughout both displays.
On Saturday evening the lifeboat took part in the annual sail past, joining Whitby Yacht Club and the town’s pleasure boats, leading a procession into the harbour.
On Sunday the lifeboat was launched for a second time to two paddle boarders who had drifted out to sea.
Howard Fields Whitby RNLI Coxswain said: ‘Due to the protection of the cliffs from the offshore winds it didn’t feel too windy on the beach, but out to sea it was a different story and the paddle boarders were quickly carried much further than expected.
We recommended carrying a means of calling for help when using a paddle board so you can alert the coastguard if you get into difficulty, we also suggest wearing a buoyancy aid even if you don’t plan to enter the water.’
The paddle boarders were escorted to the shore by the RNLI Lifeguard jet ski and the lifeboat was stood down.
After the rescue the lifeboat once again provided a presence at sea during Sunday’s air displays including the Red Arrows.
That evening, after an already busy day, the all weather lifeboat and inshore lifeboat were launched when a group of men were cut off by the tide.
Despite the poor visibility in the dark the casualties were quickly located and transferred to the lifeboat station via the inshore lifeboat.
Helm of the inshore lifeboat Lee Harland said: ‘Not everyone visiting the town is familiar with the tides and it is very easy to get caught out quickly, If you’re visiting the coast, familiarise yourself with the route, your nearest safe exit point from the beach and the tide times.’
The group of young men returned to the station the next day to thank the lifeboat crew for their efforts.
As well as a busy weekend for our volunteer crew, our fundraisers were busy with their annual 199 steps fundraiser.
The volunteers collect coins donated by the public, which are placed all the way up the steps. The event raised over £300, thank you to everyone who kindly donated.
For more information contact Lifeboat Press Officer Ceri Oakes on 07813359428 or at [email protected]
RNLI
Head cam footage from the rescue to a group of men cut off by the tide
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.