Busy few days for Praa Sands RNLI lifeguards

On Friday 3 August, RNLI lifeguards at Praa Sands spotted two stand up paddleboarders who were being swept out to sea by a strong offshore wind. RNLI lifeguards Kieran Roberts and Jowan Grant immediately launched the inshore rescue boat (IRB).

By the time they reached the two casualties, one had become exhausted and the other was attempting to tow her back to shore but was struggling against the strength of the wind. Kieran and Jowan helped the pair into the IRB and, with their paddleboards, back to safety ashore.

On Monday 6 August, RNLI lifeguards spotted a father and daughter who were kayaking get into difficulty around 400m out to sea. The father had fallen out of the kayak and was struggling to get back in. His daughter in the kayak had drifted away and so the casualty signalled to the lifeguards for assistance by waving his paddle in the air.

RNLI lifeguards Jowan Grant and Tom Vincent immediately launched IRB and made their way over to the casualty who was clinging to his paddle. They helped him into the IRB and then also assisted his daughter from the kayak into the IRB. Both casualties and the kayak were then taken back to shore.

Adam Harris, RNLI lifeguard supervisor for the area, said:

‘These were very unfortunate situations for the casualties to find themselves in.

The light, buoyant design of the paddleboards meant that the two casualties were very quickly swept out to sea due to the strong offshore wind. If you are planning on going paddleboarding, always avoid offshore winds. Always wear your leash and, if you do get in trouble, hold onto your boards, just as these casualties did, as it will help you to float.

The two kayakers were wearing the correct equipment of a helmet and buoyancy aid and, as soon as they found themselves in trouble, immediately alerted the lifeguards for assistance.

Always carry a means of calling for help when kayaking and keep it within reach – if it can’t be reached in an emergency, it’s no help.’

For more information on how to enjoy kayaking safely, please visit www.RNLI.org/kayaking

Notes to Editor

• RNLI lifeguards patrol over 249 beaches around the UK and Channel Islands

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