Abersoch RNLI requested to launch to a windsurfer in difficulty.

The volunteer crew were paged at 1.39pm and the lifeboat was launched within ten minutes.

During passage the crew were notified that the casualty, who was equipped with both a lifejacket and a means of calling for help, had been able to get ashore and was safe and well. The lifeboat continued to the scene to retrieve the windsurf sail which had been discarded.

They returned to the lifeboat station at 3.15pm with the sail which was later collected by the owner. The lifeboat was then washed down, refuelled and left ready for service.

Wyn Jones, volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager, said ‘Whenever heading out onto the water it’s important to have a means of calling for help, such as a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch, and to wear a personal flotation device suitable for the activity’. He added, ‘It was good to see that the windsurfer was well equipped and wearing the right clothing for the activity’.

If you get into difficulty, or spot someone else in trouble, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter 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.