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Newbiggin RNLI launch to assist paddleboarders

Lifeboats News Release

Reports of a paddleboard getting blown out to sea initiated a launch today

Lifeboat returns to station

RNLI/Richard Martin

Newbiggin Lifeboat

Newbiggin's Atlantic 85 Class lifeboat Richard Wake Burdon was launched at 6.20pm on Friday 28th July following a report from a member of the public, concerned for the safety of two paddle boarders. They were seen off Cambois Bay, where strong offshore winds made, such water recreational activities, difficult.

Humber Coastguard had received the call and tasked the lifeboat along with local coastguard rescue teams to the search area. The lifeboat quickly located the paddle boarders who were making their way ashore assisted by the waiting coastguard.

Commenting on the callout, Newbiggin Lifeboat Deputy Launching Authority Jeff Brown said: The concerns given strong offshore winds did compromise the safety of these people and we are grateful that the member of the public contacted the coastguard. The RNLI have seen an increase in the numbers of calls to paddleboarders as the sport increases in popularity and significant number are to people who have been blown or swept out to sea. Strong offshore winds which we experienced today will cause problems for such a recreation. However,if you find yourself in difficulty at the coast, always call 999 and ask for the coastguard.’

For more information please telephone Richard Martin, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer Newbiggin on 07980 010544 or [email protected]. Alternatively contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789 who will be able to assist also.

If you would like to find out more about Newbiggin lifeboat station, its volunteers and its heritage then take a look at the local website.

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, 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.

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