RNLI lifeguards issue safety advice after rescuing a stand up paddle boarder

RNLI Lifeguards are reminding beach users about SUP safety after going to the aid of a woman who found herself in difficulty in strong offshore winds at Sennen Beach.

RNLI lifeguards spotted the SUP rider drifting out to sea at 11.38am on Thursday May 11. Using an RNLI rescue water craft lifeguards reached the casualty quickly and helped her on to the sled, before she was brought safely back to shore.

Senior Lifeguard at Sennen Beach Jack Hoare says: ‘When there is an offshore wind you can quickly find yourself a long way from the shore and it can be extremely difficult to get back as this lady found out. Once we’d got her back to the beach she was given some safety advice by a lifeguard and she was reunited with her board.’

Stand up paddle boarding can be a lot of fun, but it is important to remember that as with any watersport it can be potentially dangerous as well if not taken seriously. The RNLI is reminding people of the simple steps they can take to stay safe and reduce their chances of getting into trouble such as taking time to plan their paddle, tell a friend where they are going, and prepare well before taking to the water.

RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor Ollie Shilston says: ‘This sort of thing is something we are seeing a lot more of on the beaches within this area now. Paddling safe is a key subject. It is important to use a leash and know how to escape from a rip current. We want to remind stand up paddle boarders to wear suitable clothing, including a personal flotation device and to be aware of the effects of cold water shock. The RNLI is also reminding people to check the tides and weather and launch and recover from between the black and white flags as well as learning how to negotiate the surf.’

The RNLI is due to launch its Respect the Water campaign later this month. For more information about water safety visit https://rnli.org/safety/respect-the-water

Note to editors

RNLI footage of the rescue

Images attached, including captions. Credit RNLI

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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 over 230 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and has more than 150 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK. 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 139,000 lives.

A charity registered in England and Wales (209603) and Scotland (SCO37736). Charity number CHY 2678 in the Republic of Ireland

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.

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