Newhaven RNLI deployed their Severn class lifeboat 'David and Elizabeth Acland' after being paged at 2:45pm on Wednesday 23 August to reports of a downed paraglider in the water off Old Nore Point, a mile west of Newhaven.
A kayaker found the casualty in the water while passing and had assisted the casualty ashore to West Beach, Newhaven.
Once the lifeboat arrived on scene, the crew decided to deploy the Severn’s daughter boat, the Y-Boat*, to give aid to the casualty and assist HM Coastguard's Rescue Team.
The lifeboat returned to Newhaven Lifeboat Station at 4pm.
Jane Masey, Newhaven RNLI's Water Safety Officer said: ‘If you ever plan to go and enjoy the coast or sea, it’s extremely important that you know how to Float to Live’.
‘If you ever find yourself struggling or in trouble in the water, remember to float. Fight your instincts to swim hard or thrash about. Lean back, extend your arms and legs, and if you need to, move your arms and legs slowly to help you float’.
32% of people still do not know what to do if they unexpectedly get into trouble in the water. New research between the RNLI and University of Portsmouth’s Extreme Environment Laboratory shows that floating is different for everyone. Whereas some people float naturally with little movement, others require gentle use of their hands and
legs to stay afloat.
Further information about how to float / Float to Live, visit the RNLI website:
Notes to editors
*A Y boat is a small inflatable lifeboat which is carried on some of the RNLI's all-weather boats. If needed it can be deployed to get in closer to casualties, or closer to the shore.
Newhaven RNLI was established in 1803, and covers from Beachy Head to
Brighton. It’s a modern afloat station and operates an all-weather Severn class
lifeboat.
HMGC – His Majesty’s Coast
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296252 or
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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
over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, 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 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.
