The lifeboat was launched following a report of a kitesurfer in difficulties off Tankerton. On arrival the lifeboat located the kite 400 yards offshore, and Thames Coastguard reported that the owner had now made the shore safely.

Thames CG then requested the lifeboat to proceed to a windsurfer also in difficulties off Tankerton. The lifeboat found the windsurfer off Long Rock, sailing slowly towards the shore whilst towing a person in the water (it later transpired that the man in the water, a novice windsurfer, had got into difficulties, and his friend had swum out to sail the board back for him). The man in the water was brought aboard the lifeboat to allow his friend to sail back more easily, and the crew then recovered the kite from the previous incident. The kite and the man were then landed ashore to be met by Herne Bay Mobile coastguard.

The lifeboat then proceeded to speak to a canoeist 400 yards offshore, who had paddled out to assist the kitesurfer. Although not in any difficulties, she accepted the offer of a lift ashore in view of the failing light and adverse tide.