RNLI, HM Coastguard and Paddle UK issue summer safety advice after triple increase in paddleboarder rescues.
Last year, lifeboat crews launched to paddleboarders 155 times compared to just 52 launches in 2019. The number of paddleboarders whose lives were saved saw a six-fold increase over five years, with volunteers saving 3 lives in 2019, rising to 22 last year.
Steve (61) and his granddaughter Alyssa (11) joined the #PaddleSafe campaign to share their story after they were rescued by Eastbourne RNLI and assisted by the local Coastguard Rescue Team (CRT) in June 2024.
The pair headed out on the water in Pevensey Bay, Eastbourne with Alyssa on a paddleboard and Steve in a kayak during a trip to the beach to celebrate the 60th birthday of Steve's wife, Sharon.
They were 300 metres offshore when the weather conditions quickly started to worsen, the wind and waves strengthened and they were blown out into deeper water with low visibility. Alyssa lost her paddle and they knew they were in trouble.
Fortunately, they were well prepared, wearing wetsuits, buoyancy aids and carrying a mobile
phone in a waterproof pouch.
Back at the beach, Sharon was watching them with growing concern when she got a call
from Steve.
Steve said:
“I phoned Sharon to ask for help and she called 999 for the Coastguard. We kept drifting, so I got Alyssa into the kayak and we lashed it together with the paddleboard.'
“We did the right thing. Everyone knew where we were, and someone was on the beach able to keep a lookout.
“I was used to the currents but the wind just overtook us. Once we were beyond the sandbar we were in deeper water and we dared not get out.”
Thankfully, they were both returned to shore, cold but unharmed and taken into the care of
the Eastbourne CRT.
With 10% of kayakers/canoeists and 9% of paddleboarders reporting that they make none
of the recommended preparations before hitting the water, the RNLI and Paddle UK are
urging people to make safety a priority as we hit peak summer.
Our key safety advice is to:
- Always wear a buoyancy aid
- Tell someone where you're going
- Carry a mobile phone
- Check the weather
- Know your limits
RNLI National Water Safety Partner, Sam Hughes, said:
“We always want people to enjoy our coastline but we are urging everyone to think carefully before heading out.
“Our rescue data shows that almost half of lifeboat launches to paddleboarders were due to offshore winds and tides, something water users can check before hitting the water.
“If you are on a life-guarded beach, keep an eye out for the orange windsock to see which way the wind is blowing.”
Lee Pooley, Director of Recreation and Development at Paddle UK, said:
“We are delighted to be working in partnership with the RNLI for a second year on the #PaddleSafe campaign.
“We have developed our messaging for 2024 and by including more specific research based information on offshore winds, weirs, flowing water and leashes we hope more paddlers can enjoy their time on the water, whether that’s inland or at the coast, and be equipped with the right knowledge and skills.”
Richard Wasson, HM Coastguard Community Safety Lead, said:
“Paddleboarding is hugely popular but unfortunately, we regularly see people taken by surprise by the conditions and carried away from the shore by wind and tide.
“To have fun and stay safe just needs a little preparation, such as checking the weather and
tide, and having the right equipment. If it’s not the right conditions, there’s no harm in leaving your trip for another day – the sea will still be there.“If you do get into difficulty call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”