Devon family thank RNLI for giving them Christmas together
Without the lifeboat, things could have been very different
The families of casualties who were rescued by the RNLI in the south west say they are lucky to be able to celebrate Christmas together thanks to the charity's lifesavers. They have joined forces to urge the south west to support the RNLI's Christmas appeal, as the charity reveals it has lost millions in income after fundraising activities had to be cancelled due to the pandemic.
In Devon, Matthew Davey was out windsurfing with his Dad on the River Exe when he fell off his board and was caught by the strong tidal current which was pulling him out to sea. His dad Geoff was watching from the shore and alerted the RNLI lifeguards on duty, who immediately sprang into action on the Rescue Water Craft, locating Matthew at the mouth of the river, calming him and bringing him back to shore quickly and safely.
Matthew said:
"The tide was pulling me further and further out. The further out I got, the waves were getting bigger and I was struggling with my kit. I realised that I needed help and I was preparing myself for the worst. I didn't see the lifeguards arrive at first, I was too pre-occupied trying to work out how I could get myself out of the situation.
"It was like a miracle seeing them there. Amazing seeing them and knowing that you'll be safe, it was instant relief. Without them it might have been a very different Christmas and I can't thank the lifeguard Dom and his team enough.
"I am aware it has been a difficult time for the RNLI and that's why I would urge people to get behind their Christmas appeal and give what they can to support these fantastic crews, who put themselves in danger to help others."
The lifesaving charity had to spend ÂŁ1.2M this year to ensure its volunteer lifeboat crews and beach lifeguards had the vital PPE, such as face masks and gloves, to keep our lifesavers and the public safe.
This was money the charity hadn't planned to spend, at a time when RNLI shops were forced to close and fundraising events were cancelled.
Torbay RNLI Deputy Coxswain James Hoare and his dad Jeff are fronting the charity's Christmas appeal in the South West.
James said:
"We've had a very challenging summer, rescuing those in difficulty in the midst of a pandemic and with foreign holidays being cancelled, we received more visitors to our coastline. Throughout 2020 the crew at Torbay and around the south west have been ready to answer the pager and rescue those in difficulty."