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‘False alarm with good intent’ leads Aberdeen Lifeboats to round-Britain boarder

Lifeboats News Release

Aberdeen’s lifeboats were paged at noon today, Monday 19 October 2020, when a concerned member of the public reported a paddle-boarder who looked to be in difficulty off Aberdeen beach.

Photo by Aberdeen lifeboat mechanic Cal Reed, taken from Aberdeen's all-weather lifeboat wheelhouse, shows the inshore lifeboat alongside the paddle-boarder, confirming all was well.

RNLI/Cal Reed

Photo by Aberdeen lifeboat mechanic Cal Reed, taken from Aberdeen's all-weather lifeboat wheelhouse, shows the inshore lifeboat alongside the paddle-boarder, confirming all was well.

With doubt whether the ‘casualty’ would be beyond the surf line or inshore of it (where only the inshore lifeboat could assist), volunteer crews launched both lifeboats and made best speed to the location.

On arrival, crews found a male boarder engaged in a round-Britain sponsored paddle for charity. He was in good health and spirits, and looked well equipped for his adventure.

The Aberdeen crew wished him well and took the precaution of advising lifeboat stations further north of his intentions.

Coxswain Davie Orr said: “This gentleman looked prepared for the elements and had a means of contact with the rescue services if he had needed them. The person who reported the matter did the right thing to call and we are always happy to help keep people safe and check these things out”.

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.

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