Blyth lifeboat rescues a windsurfer being swept out to sea

by Steven Fitch on 14 Aug 2014 Blyth Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) lifeboat rescues a wind surfer being swept out to sea in Blyth Bay.

Blyth’s RNLI inshore lifeboat crew were requested to launch by Humber Coastguard shortly after 5:15pm Sunday 03 August 2014 to go to the assistance of a wind surfer who had become separated from his board, was attempting to make his way back to shore but was being carried out to sea by the conditions. The wind surfer had been observed by members of Blyth Lifeguard and Swimming Club who raised the alarm.

The volunteer lifeboat crew made contact with the lifeguards on the shore and were guided onto the casualty who was now approximately half a mile out to sea.

Once the casualty was recovered into the lifeboat, an initial medical assessment was made and the casualty was landed on Blyth beach into the care of the lifeguards. The lifeboat then returned to recover the casualty's sail and make a quick search of the area for his board from which he had become separated. The sail was returned to the beach but the board could not be located.

Also in attendance was Blyth Coastguard Rescue Team.

Blyth Lifeboat was made ready for service again by 7:30pm.

Blyth RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager (LOM) John Scott said 'It was good to see the lifeboat, lifeguards and coastguard team all working RNLI website