Llandudno’s inshore lifeboat Dr Barbara Saunderson was launched late Sunday afternoon to aid a reportedly struggling kite surfer off the west coast of Llandudno.

The three-person crew, including new volunteer Benjamin Lee on his first shift, were quickly able to ensure the surfer was gradually returning to shore; the lifeboat remained at the scene to observe until the surfer returned safely to the beach.

Captain Marcus Elliott, director of lifeboat operations, who was on the west coast, explained:

“Due to the weather conditions and the declining light, it was deemed appropriate to cast to ensure the kite surfer was not injured. We are always ready to throw when we think a member of the public could be in potential danger in the water.

Ends

For more information, please contact Jonathan Coe, Llandudno Lifeboat Press Officer on 07910 861193. You can also contact Eleri Roberts, RNLI Media Officer on 01745 585162/07771 941390 or email Eleri_Roberts @ rnli .org.uk.

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The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a round-the-clock search and rescue service around the coasts of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. The RNLI operates 238 lifeguard stations in the UK and Ireland and over 240 lifeguard units on beaches in the UK and the Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent from the Coast Guard and the government and depends on voluntary donations and bequests to maintain its rescue service. Since the founding of the RNLI in 1824, its crews and rescuers have saved more than 142,700 lives.

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