Yesterday morning (Sunday 9th May), the volunteer lifeboat crew were finishing a training exercise on Summerleaze beach when they were approached by a member of the public and alerted that there was an injured person behind the breakwater.
Reaching the scene members of the lifeboat crew assessed the casualty and called for assistance from the Bude RNLI Lifeguards who provided casualty care alongside the lifeboat crew. It was apparent the casualty was going to need further assistance and an ambulance was requested. Bude Coastguard Rescue Team and the air ambulance were also tasked to attend the scene.
Arriving on scene Bude Coastguard prepared a landing zone for the air ambulance, enabling it to land behind the breakwater.
After an assessment it was decided to take the casualty to hospital by air. Bude coastguard cleared the breakwater then the lifeboat crew and lifeguards continued to close the breakwater whilst the coastguard assisted with loading the casualty into the helicopter.
Lifeboat Operations Manager (LOM) Liam Sharpe said, 'There are lots of hazards near the coast and accidents are common. Whether you are planning to enter the water or going for a coastal walk please ensure that you know what to do if you get in trouble at the coast or see anyone who is. Always take a means of calling for help (in case there are no lifeguards to alert) phone 999 and ask for the coastguard. The coastguard will ensure the correct help is sent. On behalf of all the crew I'd like to wish the casualty a speedy recovery.'
RNLI/James Lewis-Bale
The air ambulance coming in to land behind the breakwater at Summerleaze beach
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.
