FIRST SHOUT OF THE YEAR FOR MUDEFORD RNLI

The Mudeford RNLI Atlantic 85 lifeboat launched at 2.40pm and arrived on scene at 2.51pm. The windsurfer had last been sighted drifting towards Highcliffe beach and the crew eventually located the casualty east of Highcliffe Castle.

After helping the casualty on board, the crew confirmed he was not in need of any medical assistance, and he was brought ashore at Mudeford Quay. The lifeboat then returned to station at 3.10pm

RNLI volunteer Helm, Nathan Jauns said, ‘Because the windsurfer had taken the precaution of letting someone on shore know his whereabouts, this helped us respond quickly. Whenever, going out on the water, we always recommend letting someone on shore know where you are and always have a means of raising the alarm should you get into difficulty.’

For more information about staying safe in the water visit https://rnli.org/safety

This was the first launch of the Mudeford RNLI lifeboat this year. In 2023 the lifeboat launched 85 times. 2024 marks the 200th anniversary of the RNLI saving lives at sea.

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.