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Hunstanton RNLI crew launch to rescue two paddleboarders

Lifeboats News Release

A Norfolk lifeboat launched to rescue two paddleboarders in difficulty off a popular beach on Monday 29 July.

RNLI/Chris Bishop

Hunstanton RNLI lifeboat Spirit of West Norfolk
Volunteers at Hunstanton RNLI were paged after reports of paddleboarders in difficulty near the lifeboat station just before 1pm.

B class lifeboat Spirit of West Norfolk was launched within minutes and was quickly on the scene a few hundred metres off the crowded beach.

The crew picked up both men, who had been battling the wind and high tide and brought them back to the lifeboat station. Neither man was injured.

The lifeboat was then washed down, checked over and refuelled ready for her next 'shout'.

Editor's notes

Hunstanton is one of Norfolk's busiest lifeboat stations, whose volunteers operate both the inshore lifeboat Spirit of West Norfolk and search and rescue hovercraft Hunstanton Flyer.

They cover The Wash, a tidal estuary stretching for more than 100 square miles fed by five main rivers, along with parts of the north Norfolk coastline.

Like more than 200 RNLI stations around the coast of the UK and Ireland, the crew's lifesaving work could not be possible without the kindness of those who give donations or leave legacies to the charity that saves lives at sea.

This year marks the 200th anniversary of both the RNLI and the founding of a lifeboat service at Hunstanton.

RNLI media contacts

For more information call Chris Bishop, Hunstanton RNLI volunteer Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer on 07584 147219, Clare Hopps, RNLI Regional Communications Manager, North and East on 07824 518641, or the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

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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