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Newquay RNLI Volunteers were called out to Windsurfer in difficulty

Lifeboats News Release

Newquay RNLI Volunteers were called out on Saturday, 20 January to a windsurfer who was reported to be in difficulty in the Crantock area.

Newquay's Atlantic 85 lifeboat

RNLI/Tim Stevens

Newquay's Atlantic 85 lifeboat

At 12.42pm Newquay RNLI volunteers were requested to launch to a report of a windsurfer with a yellow sail, thought to be in difficulty in the River Gannel.

The charity’s Atlantic 85 was launched and arrived to find a foil surfer. After chatting to the surfer he confirmed to the lifeboat volunteers that he was safe, well and enjoying surfing the swell in the River Gannel. The lifeboat crew confirmed his safety to the Coastguard and were stood down, then returned to Newquay Lifeboat Station to make the boat ready for service.

This was the third shout of the week after Newquay Lifeboat volunteers assisted Newquay coastguard search & rescue team, Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 924, Devon & Cornwall Police, South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust and HM Coastguard Padstow with two previous incidents.

Newquay RNLI volunteers received their fourth shout on Monday, 22 January at 9.21am and were asked to stand at immediate readiness.

Newquay Coastguard Rescue Team had requested the lifeboat volunteers to standby as they were assisting a casualty at Towan Beach after a rescue had been carried out by a member of the public. The crew assembled and awaited further instruction, however the casualty was confirmed as safe and the lifeboat volunteers were stood down at 10.03am.

If you see someone in difficulty along the coast dial 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 146,000 lives.

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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.