The helicopter had been re-anacting a rescue with the Skegness D Class inshore lifeboat when the call came in that a kite surfer in distress off Huttoft beach.
Crowds who had gathered on Skegness beach for the display by the Shannon Class and inshore lifeboats and RNLI lifeguards watched as the helicopter headed off to assist Mablethorpe Coastguard and Mablethorpe Lifeboat Crew.
Fortunately, according to Mablethorpe RNLI, the shout resulted in the safe return of the kite surfer and their equipment to the shore.
Brad Johnson, of Skegness RNLI, said: “It was disappointing we were not able to complete our display with the Coastguard helicopter but being called to a rescue is what we do and it was always a risk this could happen.”
In spite of this, the annual week-long event was a great success, with £5,200 raised for Skegness RNLI to continue the lifesaving work along the Lincolnshire coast..
The week started with the fundraising team being stationed at the Hildreds Centre, engaging with the public and raising much-needed funds for the lifeboat station. Over the six days, the fundraisers raised £2,305.
It also ran alongside the third World Drowning Prevention Day, which raised awareness how to stay safe along the coast after there were 665 reported incidents along the East of England last year.
On Saturday, Skegness’ volunteer crew members visited various local pubs and clubs, raising over £1,600 in a single evening. Notable contributions came from Blue Anchor's Club Tropicana customers and RNLI national corporate partner Haven Skegness, which raised £453 and £163, respectively.
Flag Day on Sunday was hosted at the RNLI boathouse, featuring a variety of stalls, including the popular Water and Wine and Hook a Duck.
Characters from local holiday parks Fantasy Island, Blue Anchor Superstars, and Haven Skegness also visited, adding to the exciting atmosphere.
Mairi Perry, Chair of the Fundraising Branch, expressed her pride and satisfaction in the team's hard work, saying: “We are extremely proud of our fundraisers' efforts this week. It's wonderful to see so many people interact with the station and show their support.”
The event showcased the joint efforts of the RNLI, Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, Skegness Coastguard Rescue Teams, and Lincolnshire Police, with various partner agencies in attendance with their emergency vehicles.
Demonstration launches of the Skegness lifeboats, Shannon class all-weather lifeboat and D class inshore lifeboat, were conducted in the afternoon. They were joined by the Coastguard Helicopter 912 and the Skegness Lifeguards for various exercise drills surrounding casualty extraction, often referred to as medivacs.
“Events like our annual Flag Week are crucial for our lifeboat station, not just as a fundraising opportunity but as a platform to promote sea safety awareness,” commented Station Coxswain Craig Willard.
“It's heartening to see both locals and visitors in Skegness engage with us, showing keen interest in our work and the safety measures we advocate. Thank you to all of the community who have given us prizes and donations in preparation for our event.”
The RNLI Skegness thanks everyone who contributed to the success of this year's Flag Week.
The event was supported by various local businesses, including Skegness Pleasure Beach, Skegness Aquarium, Club Tropicana, Lucky Strikes Arcade, Olivia’s Skegness, Fantasy Island, Skegness Pier, Big Top Show Bar, Wolfies Wine Bar as well as Haven Skegness.
More pictures and video on lincolnshireworld.com
1. RNLI Flag Week
A successful flag week for Skegness RNLI hasraised £5,700. Photo: RNLI/ Brad Johnson
2. RNLI Flag Week
The RNLI D-class inshore lifeboat crew demonstates a rescue with the help of lifeguards. Photo: David Dawson
3. RNLI Flag Week
The Shannon class all-weather lifeboat on its was to the sea, Photo: David Dawson
4. RNLI Flag Week
Crowds on the beach follow the lifeboat to the water. Photo: David Dawson