RNLI PORTISHEAD crews have been called out after a windsurfer was spotted waving their arms for help.

The incident took place on Sunday, September 17, at around 9.52am. Crews were taking part in a training session in Portishead Marina when a member of the public told them that a windsurfer was waving their arms about off Sugar Loaf Beach.

Posting on Facebook, a spokesperson from RNLI Portishead said: "Crew were tasked at 9.52am during their training session on Sunday (17th Sept) whilst in Portishead Marina.

"A call had come in as a member of the public, they had seen a windsurfer waving their arms and believed they were asking for help.

"The volunteer lifeboat crew made best speed to the location just off of Sugar Loaf Beach, Portishead, where the skipper of the fishing vessel, Channel Explorer had kindly gone to pick up the casualty with their kit.

"The Lifeboat was able to get a little closer to shore than the fishing vessel so took the casualty on board and safely dropped the windsurfer with his kit so he could wade ashore.

"Once safely ashore, the volunteers carried on with their training session. Big thanks to the skipper of Channel Explorer for helping out!

"Please ensure when you go out on the water:

  • "You wear the right equipment, a means to help you float if you find yourself in the water.
  • "Always ensure you carry a way of calling for help, a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch, ensuring it is fully charged, or a small hand held radio.
  • "Tell someone when you are going and when you will be back ashore.
  • "Call 999 and ask for the Coastguard."

The RNLI website reads: "The 238 lifeboat stations of the RNLI create a ring of safety around the coasts of the UK and Ireland.

"Some have been housing lifeboats for decades, others specially built to tackle the unique geography of the UK and Irish coastlines.

"And whether they're in the heart of a busy harbour, at the bottom of a cliff face, or on a busy waterway, they are all uniquely placed to provide the quickest response to a call for help."