[M]orecambe’s RNLI inshore lifeboat launched, after a request from the Coastguard, to assist with two kite surfers who had got into difficulties.
At 12.50pm on Tuesday 21 November 2017, the Coastguard tasked the Morecambe’s volunteer RNLI lifeboat crew to go to the assistance of 2 kite surfers; after a report that they had become separated from their kite surfboards and were attempting to swim to the rock groyne at the Battery, on Morecambe promenade. The RLNI inshore lifeboat launched within a few minutes of the initial call and proceeded to the search area. On arrival they found that both kite surfers had managed to swim to shore, where they were assisted by members of the local coastguard team. The inshore lifeboat was then able to recover the kite surfers’ equipment and return it to their grateful owners.
This was the second launch in 4 days for the volunteers as at 9.45am on Saturday 18 November 2017, the inshore lifeboat was launched following reports that 2 people had been cut-off by the tide between Arnside and Grange-over-Sands. However, the crew were stood down before arriving at the scene; after the casualties had been assisted to safety by members of the Arnside Coastguard team.
Morecambe RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager, Kevin Jackson, said: “Although, on both these occasions, the casualties got to shore safely without our assistance, it is better to be safe than sorry.”
