LIFEBOAT crews were sent out to Christchurch yesterday afternoon following reports of a person in the water in the River Avon.

RNLI Mudeford were tasked by HM Coastguard on Sunday August 22 at 12.30pm after a dinghy sailor had reportedly been in the water for over 20 minutes.

Staff onboard a support boat had unsuccessfully attempted to get the dinghy sailor out of the water near Christchurch Sailing Club before calling HM Coastguard.

A spokesman from RNLI Mudeford said: “RNLI Mudeford volunteer crew launched immediately and headed upriver at best speed in the RNLI Lifeboat Atlantic 85 “Mudeford Servant”.

“As luck would have it, one of the off-duty RNLI Mudeford lifeboat crew had been passing in his own boat and managed to pull the person out of the water whilst the RNLI Mudeford lifeboat was on route.”

The RNLI have reiterated their advice to anyone who find themselves in trouble in the water by urging them to float.  More information on this can be found on the RNLI website.

RNLI Mudeford volunteer helm Nathan Jauns added: “The sailors were very apologetic for calling us out.

“There is absolutely no need to apologise for calling for help when a person is in trouble in the water.

“We would much rather be called out to assist and not be needed, than not be called.”