False alarm with satisfying result for Margate RNLI
Margate RNLI lifeboat station’s volunteers have responded to a report that turned out to be a false alarm but with reminders of the importance of sea safety precautions and of alerting the coastguard when things don’t look quite right at sea.
UK Coastguard received reports at around 11am today (Saturday 20 April) of a possible windsurfer in difficulties around 100m off Westgate Bay, heading towards St Mildred’s Bay. Margate RNLI’s D class inshore lifeboat was tasked to investigate along with Coastguard Rescue Teams from Margate and Herne Bay.
Once on scene the lifeboat commenced a search of the immediate area and quickly located a wing foiler who was on his board and in the process of paddling back to shore, part of his planned excursion on the day. He was not in difficulties or in need of any assistance and the lifeboat escorted him until his safe return to shore could be observed by coastguard units ashore. The lifeboat then returned to station.
The wing foiler had taken commendable precautions for his day out including adequate clothing, a mobile phone in a waterproof bag and a Personal Locator Beacon. Advice on all aspects of sea safety can be found at https://rnli.org/safety/choose-your-activity
Christian Wright, Launching Authority, Margate RNLI said: “The lifeboat crew were able to locate a leisure sailor who had taken adequate precautions pursuing his pastime which could have made a significant difference to his survival in the event of encountering a problem. We are also grateful to the member of the public who had concerns about the person and alerted the coastguard, we are always happy to investigate such concerns rather than assume all is well when it may not be.”
Notes to editors
· Margate lifeboat station has been operating since 1860. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/margate-lifeboat-station
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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.
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