Blyth RNLI come to the assistance of paddleboarders in Hartley Bay

Volunteer crew from Blyth RNLI were attending Seaton Sluice Harbour Day with the D Class inshore lifeboat when UK Coastguard requested them to proceed to Hartley Bay.

The D class inshore lifeboat with 3 volunteer crew on board made the short distance to Hartley Bay where the paddleboarders had found themselves struggling to make their way back to shore due to the offshore wind.

With the assistance of Cullercoats RNLI, the two casualties were taken back to Seaton Sluice Harbour.

Blyth RNLI Helm Adam Pickering said; 'The strong offshore wind had made it difficult for the paddleboarders to make it back to shore. We made the short distance from Seaton Sluice Harbour and found the casualties quickly who were thankful for our assistance. It was a good outcome.'

As part of their Respect the Water Campaign the RNLI offer safety advice on their website. In relation to paddleboarding the link is https://rnli.org/safety/choose-your-activity/stand-up-paddle-boarding

RNLI Media Contacts
For more information please telephone Robin Palmer, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07801 290638 or [email protected] or Clare Hopps, Regional Media Officer (North and East) on 07824 518641 c[email protected] or the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

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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 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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