Exmouth RNLI lifesavers had a busy bank holiday Monday when they attended three taskings.

The first was at 11.52am on Monday 29 August when, following a 999 call, H.M. Coastguard tasked the crew of Exmouth RNLI inshore lifeboat D-805 George Bearman II to a report of a kitesurfer in distress approximately a third of a mile off Exmouth Lifeboat Station.

The volunteer crew launched shortly afterwards and immediately commenced a search of the location given. Exmouth RNLI Lifeguards were also assigned to the emergency.

The casualty was very quickly located and the RNLI Lifeguards took the casualty on board their rescue watercraft and to the safety of shore. He was cold but uninjured and did not require any medical attention.

On completion of the tasking, at about 12.40pm the inshore lifeboat was being prepared for service when the crew were alerted to a 16ft sailing boat with engine failure that was unable to make progress and drifting about a quarter of a mile off the National Coastwatch Tower on Exmouth Seafront.

The lifeboat launched immediately and once on scene the lifesavers determined that the vessel was unable to make headway in the channel, was drifting towards Pole Sands and was a hazard to other water users. The crew effected a tow and the boat was taken to the River Exe where it was safely anchored. None of the occupants were injured or required medical help.

Then at 2.43pm our Exmouth RNLI Shop volunteers received a telephone call from parents reporting their son in difficulty and exhausted on Pole Sands.

The volunteer lifesavers launched on their third tasking of the day and commenced a search of the area without success. One member of the crew went ashore and made enquiries with members of the public in the area to no avail.

The crew continued their search of the area but stood down when it was established that the individual had returned home and was safe and well. The lifeboat returned to the station and was back on service a short time later.