New Brighton RNLI assist kite surfer

Yesterday (5 February) on a quiet Monday afternoon at approximately 2.11pm, the sound of the pager alerted New Brighton RNLI's volunteer lifeboat crew to a shout.

Reports of a kite surfer struggling to recover were passed to the crew of the Atlantic 85 B class lifeboat, who launched quickly to assist. Thankfully, the kite surfer was able to self-recover shortly afterwards, but the lifeboat crew continued their launch to assist with equipment recovery, which was now floating on the river and a potential hazard to shipping due to its location.

With a flooding tide and a cross shore wind, the initial call to HM Coastguard came from one of New Brighton RNLI's own Helms Mike Stannard. Mike was also out kite surfing at the time and spotted the situation and potential danger, monitoring the individual before calling for help.

Mike said:

‘It was a good day for kite surfing. I had noticed the man struggling to recover for a short time, and, in line with knowledge of the river and tides, felt it best to err on the side of caution and call the Coastguard.

'I always carry a means of communication on the river with me whilst out kite surfing, to ensure that I can call for help quickly in any given situation. Thankfully this person was able to recover themselves and the crew could help with picking up the equipment to prevent it become a hazard to other water users or craft.

'If you ever find yourself in difficulty in the water or spot someone in distress, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Always carry a means of communication with you and wear an appropriate life jacket for your chosen activity.'

Notes to Editors:

• New Brighton RNLI was established in 1863 in the bustling seaside resort of New Brighton, on the northeast corner of the Wirral peninsula. They cover the River Mersey and out into the Irish Sea.

• The station is home to a B class Atlantic 85 lifeboat, one of the fastest in the RNLI fleet. The crews at New Brighton have been presented with a remarkable 48 awards for gallantry to date.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact New Brighton RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer, Connor Wray on 07756 553 092 or [email protected].

Alternatively, you can contact RNLI Regional Communications Manager, Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith on [email protected] or 07977 728 315, 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 142,700 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.