Exmouth RNLI Inshore Lifeboat was alerted by H.M. Coastguard to two separate incidents of persons in difficulty on the River Exe this afternoon.

At 12:58hrs today, Sunday 25 October 2020, H.M. Coastguard assigned our RNLI Inshore Lifeboat D-755 Peggy-D to a report of a paddleboarder in difficulty on the Exe Estuary near Pole Sands and, a short time afterwards, to a kitesurfer apparently having problems on the River Exe near Cockle Sands.

The lifeboat was launched a few minutes later by launch crew Mark Sansom, Scott Ranft and John Dinsdale.

Commanded by Helm, Guy Munnings and volunteer lifesaving crew Harry Griffin and Ed Steele the lifeboat immediately made its way to the location of the first report. Upon arrival it was quickly established that the paddleboarder did not require any assistance.

The crew made their way to the location of the second assignment where it was found that the kitesurfer was not in difficulty and was undertaking a course of instruction by qualified personel and properly supervised.

Having satisfied themselves that both assignments were false alarms with good intent, the crew made their way back to Exmouth Lifeboat Station where the lifeboat was back on service at 14:15hrs the same day.