Yarmouth RNLI tasked to kite surfers in difficulty
On Monday 27 May, Yarmouth’s all-weather lifeboat, 17-25 ‘Eric and Susan Hiscock, Wanderer’ and her crew were tasked by HM Coastguard following the reports from the public after two kite surfers were seen struggling to make their way back to shore near Colwell Bay.
At 6:40pm, the volunteer crew pagers sounded, and the Yarmouth RNLI crew assembled after members of the public had called HM Coastguard after seeing two kite surfers struggle to get their kites back in the air to safely make their way back to the coastline.
The RNLI lifeboat launched and made best speed to the last known location of the casualties.
Yarmouth crew also requested the assistance of Lymington RNLI who were already out at sea on their scheduled practice session in Lymington River.
By the time both RNLI lifeboats arrived on scene, the two casualties had managed to recover themselves back onto the beach. At this time, HM Coastguard was happy for the two boats to stand down and make their return passages back to their stations.
No one goes to sea, or out on a trip along the coast and expects to be rescued.
The RNLI has put together some safety tips you can read through before venturing out to enjoy the water to kite surf, as well as many other water-based activities.
Taking some simple steps to stay safe will reduce your chances of getting into trouble and help you get the most out of the sport you love.
Notes to editors
- Photo attached of Yarmouth Lifeboat leaving Yarmouth Harbour on tasking.
- Yarmouth RNLI Lifeboat 17-25 Eric and Susan Hiscock ‘Wanderer’ came into service in 2001, prior to that Yarmouth RNLI had an Arun Class Lifeboat 52-08 Joy and John Wade which was in service for 23 years.
- As well as 2024 being the year the RNLI celebrates its 200th year, it will also be Yarmouth Station's 100th year in service.
- If you’re struggling in the water this summer, floating could save your life. Remember it. Share it. #FloatToLive
RNLI media contacts
● Hebe Gregory, Yarmouth RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer [email protected]
● Hatti Mellor, Regional Communications Manager (South East & London) [email protected]
● Julie Rainey, Regional Communications Lead (South East) [email protected]
For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer 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.