Wells RNLI lifeboats launch to rescue paddle-boarder being blown offshore

Humber Coastguard paged Wells RNLI’s inshore lifeboat Peter Wilcox at 3.41pm following reports that a paddleboarder was in difficulty and being blown offshore.

Wells RNLI inshore lifeboat launched from the north slipway at Wells RNLI boathouse at 3.52pm with a crew of three volunteers on board and proceeded down Wells Harbour channel towards Brancaster.

As the south-easterly wind increased, and following consultation with Humber Coastguard, Wells RNLI’s Shannon class all-weather lifeboat Duke of Edinburgh was also launched at 4.08pm. The all-weather lifeboat provided additional safety support and cover for the inshore lifeboat in the seaway, as well as an additional lifesaving asset should the search area increase offshore.

At 4.21pm, as the inshore lifeboat rounded the western side of Scolt Head, the crew visually sighted the paddleboarder about one mile seaward of the main beach. The casualty was lying flat on the paddleboard and being rapidly blown further offshore by the strong south-easterly wind.

Inshore lifeboat Peter Wilcox was alongside the paddle-boarder at 4.23pm. The casualty was brought safely aboard the lifeboat and was found to be frightened and fatigued, having tried hard to paddle back against the offshore wind, but did not require medical attention.

The paddle-board and paddle were recovered onto the inshore lifeboat and the crew made their way to the safety of Brancaster beach. The lifeboat was ashore at 4.38pm, where the casualty and equipment were handed into the care of the waiting Coastguard Rescue Team.

With the paddle-boarder safely ashore, the inshore lifeboat was stood down by the Coastguard at 4.45pm and met with the all-weather lifeboat, which had been standing by offshore. Both lifeboats then returned to Wells Harbour.

Wells RNLi inshore lifeboat was ashore at the north slipway of the boathouse at 5.23pm. The all-weather lifeboat was recovered on the south-east beach adjacent to the boathouse at 5.50pm. Both lifeboats were then washed down, refuelled, rehoused and ready for service again by 7pm.

James Betteridge, Wells RNLI inshore lifeboat helm, said: ‘We are very relieved that we were able to locate the casualty quickly and bring them safely ashore. They had been trying hard to get back, but the offshore wind was pushing them further out to sea.

‘We never judge anyone who needs our help. Conditions can change quickly and it can happen to anyone. Our message is simply to help people understand the risks and make safer choices next time.

‘If you are paddle-boarding, always check the wind direction, weather and tide before heading out. Avoid going out in offshore winds, wear a suitable buoyancy aid, carry a means of calling for help, and tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.’

Wells RNLI sends its very best wishes to the casualty and hopes they are doing well.

Notes to Editor

The RNLI urges anyone going paddleboarding or using the water to check the weather, tide times and wind direction before setting out. Offshore winds can quickly push paddleboarders, kayakers and inflatables away from the shore and make it extremely difficult to return.

Always wear a suitable buoyancy aid, carry a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch or another means of calling for help, and avoid going out alone where possible.

If you see someone in difficulty at the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Jess Curtis, Wells RNLI Volunteer Press Officer [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

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The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.

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