Weymouth RNLI lifeguards rescue paddleboarders dragged out by offshore winds

The charity’s lifeguards had initially been tasked with supporting a search operation after reports of an upturned kayak at Bowleaze Cove, working alongside Weymouth RNLI inshore lifeboat and the Coastguard. While conducting the search, their lifeguard colleagues on the beach spotted two people on a paddleboard roughly 400 metres offshore, with a nearby swimmer waving for help.

RNLI lifeguards Matt Holland and Dylan Chick immediately responded on rescue boards. Dylan first reached the swimmer and confirmed that he was not in difficulty himself, but was signalling for help for the paddleboarders. They could both then focus on reaching the paddleboarders.

One casualty was safely returned to shore by Dylan, who paddled against the strong offshore wind and difficult conditions to bring the casualty to safety. The second casualty explained to Matt that she had limited mobility due to a previous injury, and was unable to lie flat on his rescue board.

Now released from the search operation with the kayaker located safe further along the shore, RNLI lifeguards Finn Sanderson and Amelia Fleming aboard the Inshore Rescue Boat (IRB) came to assist, and the casualty was carefully transferred from the paddleboard into the IRB before the lifeguards returned her safely to shore.

Courtney Randino, Senior RNLI Lifeguard said:
‘This was not a typical rescue, and it required quick thinking and close coordination between the team on the beach and the lifeguards involved in the search operation. Everyone adapted quickly and worked brilliantly together to ensure both casualties were brought safely back to shore, despite the challenging conditions.’

‘In the south west, 90% of shouts to paddleboarders happen because of offshore winds, and the charity has observed a significant increase in rescues involving paddleboarders in the last few years. Last year, RNLI lifeguards in the south west rescued more than double the number of paddleboarders in comparison to 2019.

‘We would like to remind anyone considering going paddleboarding to carry a means of calling for help in a waterproof pouch and avoid offshore winds. Tell someone what you are doing, where you are going and when you expect to return. Choosing a lifeguarded beach, no matter your choice of activity, is the very best way to keep you and your loved ones safe on the coast. Swim between the red and yellow flags and ask the lifeguards for advice- they are always happy to help.’

In Dorset, beaches West Bay, Greenhill and Lyme Regis conclude RNLI lifeguard service on Sunday 7 September, and Weymouth beach concludes on Sunday 28 September.