FOOTAGE has emerged from last weekend of an RNLI volunteer crew saving a pair of wing surfers.

The H.M. Coastguard requested the launch of the Exmouth RNLI volunteer crew and lifeboat to reports of two wing surfers in trouble on the River Exe.

The heroics occurred on Sunday 29 September at 6:02pm, with “very poor weather conditions” noted on the day.

Despite 35-knot winds and challenging breaking surf, the crew, consisting of three RNLI volunteers, made its way to the reported location of the casualties, launching at 6:11pm.

They were quickly able to make contact with both casualties and bring them into the safety of the lifeboat.

Luckily both surfers were unharmed, and the RNLI volunteers safely returned them to shore.

Satisfied that no one else was at risk, the crew were then stood down by H.M. Coastguard and returned to the lifeboat station at 6:50pm.

This year, the RNLI celebrates 200 years since its inception and the fact that the organisation is still going with its volunteer programme funded by donations shows how important the organisation is in Exmouth.

Founded in a London tavern on 4 March 1824 following an appeal from Sir William Hillary, who lived on the Isle of Man and witnessed many shipwrecks, the RNLI has continued saving lives at sea throughout the tests of its history, including tragic disasters, funding challenges and two World Wars.

In 2023, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) saved 355 lives, which is almost one life per day.

The RNLI's 2023 rescue figures are a significant drop from 2022 when they saved 506 lives. The RNLI has said that a number of factors contributed to the drop.

Speaking on the history of the RNLI, RNLI Chief Executive, Mark Dowie, says: It has been an honour and a privilege to be at the helm of the RNLI for the past five years, and to see the charity reach its bicentenary.

“For a charity to have survived 200 years based on the time and commitment of volunteers, and the sheer generosity of the public donating to fund it, is truly remarkable.

“I am immensely grateful to everyone who is involved with the charity – our volunteers, supporters and staff.

“This is our watch, and it is our role to keep our charity safe and secure so it can continue to save lives into the future, as we strive in our vision to save everyone.”