The Brighton lifeboat was called out five times in 24 hours, with two of the shouts taking place during the lifeboat station’s open day.
The final callout was to help a kite surfer who had become separated from his board about 300 yards south of the King Alfred Leisure Centre in Hove.
The call for help came just before 3pm as the RNLI Brighton crew were putting on a demonstration with the Newhaven lifeboat crew and the Solent Coastguard helicopter.
Given the strong wind and moderate to rough sea conditions, the Brighton crew abandoned the helicopter exercise and made immediately for the stranded kitesurfer.
With the help of a beach lifeguard who indicated the kitesurfer’s position with his quad bike headlights, the lifeboat quickly arrived on the scene to recover the kitesurfer and his kite.
The kitesurfer was well prepared, fit and in good spirits although a little abashed at having to be assisted.
He swam ashore and his kite was returned to the lifeboat station where it was collected later in the day.
After a quiet August, it made for a busy weekend on top of showing the crowds around the lifeboat station during the open day on Sunday.
Earlier, the Brighton Lifeboat was called to a help a sailing club rib which had suffered a fuel supply problem near the West Pier.
The fuel blockage was cleared before the lifeboat arrived enabling the crew to return to its Brighton Marina base just after midday.
Previous callouts are reported in the links below.
