West Kirby RNLI called out for back-to-back kite surfer rescues over two days
On Monday (12 February) West Kirby RNLI were called out to rescue a kite surfer who’d gotten into difficulty and had become too exhausted to self-recover, after a similar call out the day before (Sunday 11 February).
The casualty had been caught in the fast-moving tide and strong winds and was blown into West Kirby Marine Lake quickly becoming exhausted. The volunteer lifeboat crew immediately launched at 12.12pm and managed to reach the casualty in just 4 minutes.
Just 24 hours before at approximately 12.28pm on Sunday, West Kirby volunteer lifeboat crew had been called out to a similar incident involving a kite surfer who was clinging to a buoy after becoming stranded and exhausted, with their kitesurf having drifted away from them.
Ed Rowland, West Kirby RNLI Launch Authority said:
‘Thank you to the member of the public and fellow kite surfer who called these incidents into the Coastguard so we were able to respond so quickly.
‘As we begin to move away from winter and towards spring, we always see an increase in the amount of people taking part in water sports and leisure activities on the Wirral coastline.
‘Although we are leaving the coldest months of winter behind, the weather is still really changeable, and the water temperature is still very cold – which can quickly deplete your energy levels.
‘It’s vital that you wear the appropriate kit and equipment for the activity you are taking part in. We always recommend you should carry a means of calling or signalling for help, so that if you do find yourself in difficulty – you can alert someone or call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
‘Some other RNLI kitesurfing safety tips are to always kite with another person. Check the conditions and tides and don't go out in conditions you can't handle. Always tell someone you are going out and when you expect to be back.’
RNLI media contacts
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.
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.