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Beach rescue for Mudeford RNLI

Lifeboats News Release

On Saturday 20 July at 5.32am the volunteer Mudeford RNLI crew were tasked to assist an injured man who had fallen from a rock groyne on Avon Beach.

An orange RNLI Atlantic 85 lifeboat with four crew aboard speeding through the Run at Christchurch Harbour

RNLI/Robert King

Mudeford Servant Atlantic 85 lifeboat and crew heading out of Christchurch Harbour to Avon Beach

The casualty had fallen from the groyne and landed on the shore near the water's edge. An ambulance had been called, however, there were concerns for the casualty’s immediate safety due to the incoming tide.

Members of the Mudeford RNLI Shore Crew were deployed to Avon Beach to locate the casualty while the lifeboat launched. The Mudeford Servant Atlantic 85 lifeboat launched at 5.44am and was on scene by 5.47am.

Upon arrival the crew assessed the casualty who had sustained injuries to his head and left arm. The crew administered casualty care, cleaning and dressing the injuries, before handing the casualty over to the Ambulance service at 6.15am. The crew then stood down and the lifeboat returned to station at 6.25am.

Mudeford RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager Steve Doe said:

“The incoming tide was causing concern that the casualty could be in a dangerous situation before the Ambulance could reach him. The casualty care training that we give our crew meant that we could treat the casualty on scene. We hope he makes a speedy recovery.”

The Mudeford Servant Atlantic 85 lifeboat has launched 42 times this year so far and launched 85 times in 2023.

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.