Christmas Eve Paraglider Rescued from Freezing Waves by RNLI Heroes
Dermot’s life was snatched from the jaws of death thanks to the daring Newhaven RNLI lifeboat crew. Paragliding on Christmas Eve, he landed on a tiny beach beneath cliffs — only to be trapped by the rising tide and icy water. With waves thrashing him, Dermot clung to hope and dialled for help as the freezing sea swallowed him.
Heroic Lifeboat Crew Bravely Battle Icy Surf to Save Man’s Life
Answering the emergency pager, RNLI volunteers leapt into action, leaving their Christmas preparations behind. When they reached the scene, Dermot floated motionless, face down, and fears gripped the crew: was it too late?
Thankfully, he was alive, face up in the cold waves. The crew battled the stormy surf, hauled Dermot aboard, and raced to safety.
“If the lifeboat crew hadn’t been there, I wouldn’t be here today. That’s the simple truth. They are absolute heroes,” Dermot said.
“The next morning, I looked up at the blue sky and felt a wave of euphoria. It’s emotional to think about it — it’s so good to be alive.”
RNLI Volunteers Put Family First to Save Lives at Christmas
Every year, thousands of RNLI volunteers sacrifice quiet festive moments to answer calls for help on stormy seas. Coxswain Lewis Arnold, who led Dermot’s rescue, said:
“When we first arrived, I thought Dermot had drowned. A shiver runs down my spine even now thinking about it. There’s no feeling like bringing someone home safe, especially at Christmas.”
“We couldn’t do this without public donations funding vital gear, training, and lifeboats. Your support saves lives and brings people back to their loved ones.”
RNLI Christmas Appeal: Help Keep Lifesaving Going
With treacherous winter weather and lives on the line, Newhaven and other RNLI crews launch over 1,200 times every festive season. But none of this life-saving work happens without the generosity of the public.
The RNLI has launched its Christmas Appeal, urging everyone to chip in and support their life-saving mission at sea.
Donate now at RNLI.org/Xmas and help keep Britain’s lifeboats running this Christmas — and every day of the year.
