Swanage inshore lifeboat launched to paddleboarder in difficulties

A member of the public dialled 999 to report a struggling paddleboarder to HM Coastguard.

The paddleboarder was reported to be struggling to return to shore, so HM Coastguard requested the assistance of Swanage RNLI Lifeboat Station. The volunteer crew were called, and launched the inshore lifeboat, Roy Norgrove, to the site of the report in Swanage Bay.

No paddleboarders were found afloat, however one was found ashore, who confirmed that he had just returned to shore, but had been struggling to get back. HM Coastguard was informed and the inshore lifeboat was stood down and returned to the station.

The RNLI advises paddleboarders to always carry a means of calling for help when going out on your board, check the weather and tide times before setting off, and let someone know where you are going, and when you plan on returning.

For more information please contact:
Becky Mack, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer: [email protected]
Charmaine Tideswell, Volunteer Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer: [email protected]
Stella Sims, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for London and South East England: [email protected]
Sam Haddad, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for London and South East England: [email protected]
Julie Rainey, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for London and South East England: [email protected]

or the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

RNLI online:
For more information, please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the RNLI News Centre.

Key facts about the RNLI:
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI:
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries:
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.