News release
The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea
Date: 09/09/2008	Rye Harbour 036 2008

Motor sand buggy crashed on Camber Sands

Rye Harbour RNLI relief Lifeboat B722, 'Beatrice Dorothy' launched today (09/09/2008) at 1.31 pm to a motorised sand buggy that had been seen rolling several times before coming to a stop, on Camber sands at Broom Hill. The launch of Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat was requested by Dover Coastguard, after they had received a call from a member of the public who had seen the sand buggy roll several times before coming to a stop, the occupant of the vehicle appeared not to be moving and the incoming tide was starting to surround the casualty.

RNLI Lifeboat B722, arrived at the scene at 1.36 pm just as the Kent Air Ambulance had landing. The crew of Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat assisted the crew of the Kent Air Ambulance transfer the casualty to a spinal board and move him from the incoming tide to the top of the beach; where the helicopter had landed. RNLI relief Lifeboat B722, departed the scene at 2.42 pm; arriving back at station at 2.52 pm. The casualty was airlifted to hospital by the Kent Air Ambulance.

Richard Tollett, RNLI Operations Manager for Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat, said: ‘It's not uncommon to work with the helicopter and other emergency services. Part of our training programme here at Rye Harbour includes training with the Coastguards, the helicopter and other emergency services on a regular basis.’The news release can be as long as necessary but remember that, generally, the shorter and clearer the better. Try to remain factual and avoid speculation, particularly about why a person may have jumped into water or had to be rescued. Humour or puns can sometimes work well, particularly for fundraising events, but should be used sparingly and never where personal tragedy or injury occurred. Remember all text should be suitable for family reading.

Notes to editors

Rye Harbour lifeboat station has been operating since 1966. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to www.rnli.org.uk/ryeharbour

RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Steve Tollett, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on news@ryeharbourlifeboat.co.uk or Tim Ash, Divisional Media Relations Manager South East and London on 07785 296252 or tash@rnli.org.uk or contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789

RNLI online
For more information on the RNLI please visit www.rnli.org.uk. News releases and other media resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are available at the RNLI Press Centre www.rnli.org.uk/press

Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates over 230 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and has more than 100 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824 its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 137,000 lives. The RNLI is a charity registered in England, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland.