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Hunstanton lifeboat launched to report of wing foiler in difficulty

Lifeboats News Release

A Norfolk lifeboat station launched its lifeboat after a wing foiler was reported to be in difficulty.

RNLI/Chris Bishop

Hunstanton lifeboat crew launched in windy conditions after a wing foiler was reported to be in difficulty in windy conditions off the beach
Volunteers at Hunstanton RNLI were paged just before 6pm on Thursday 9 April.

They launched the station's fast inshore lifeboat Spirit of West Norfolk in just over 10 minutes - despite having to travel across the beach for a low water launch.

After heading south along the beach in windy conditions, the crew located the foiler and found he was back on his board and surfing again, having stepped on and off it whilst practising.

The lifeboat was recovered at 6.30pm before being returned to station to be washed down and rehoused ready for its next service.

Lifeboat operations manager Mike Gould described the shout as a false alarm with good intent.

He added members of the public should dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard if they see anyone they believe to be in danger in the water.

Notes to editors

Wing foiling is a wind-powered watersport which is different to kite surfing.

The rider stands on a board and uses a hand-held inflatable wing to harness the wind to provide lift.

Volunteers at Hunstanton RNLI operate the fast inshore lifeboat Spirit of West Norfolk and the search and rescue hovercraft Hunstanton Flyer from their base on Sea Lane.

They cover The Wash, a coastal estuary of more than 200 square miles along with parts of the North Norfolk coast.

Crew members at the busy station are on call 24/7, 365 days a year; while their work is supported by its visits, shop and outreach teams, along with the Hunstanton and West Norfolk RNLI Lifeboat Guild which raises funds for the charity that saves lives at sea.

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 is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok 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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