Several call-outs to paddleboarders in difficulty for Abersoch RNLI.
The busy summer season has seen Abersoch RNLI volunteer crew being tasked a number of times to paddleboarders in difficulty in the bay and they are urging people to be mindful of the weather and tide conditions before setting out.
Yesterday, 25 August 2021, they were tasked by UK Coastguard at 11.04am to two paddleboarders drifting towards Pen y Cil in Aberdaron bay. One of the casualties had dialled 999 and requested the Coastguard as they were struggling to paddle against the current to get back to the shore. The ‘Peter and Ann Setten’ Atlantic 85 lifeboat was launched but was later stood down as a fishing vessel in the area who had come across the pair was able to assist and return them safely to the shore where they were met by the Coastguard mobile unit.
On Monday, 23 August 2021, the volunteer crew were paged at 14.13pm following reports of a kayaker and a paddleboarder, again in the area of Aberdaron bay. On this occasion is was a member of the public who called 999 as they were concerned that they had lost sight of the two vessels. The lifeboat was launched shortly after and upon arriving at the scene the crew found that neither were in difficulty and were making good headway towards the beach. Andy Vowell, Lifeboat Operations Manager, said ‘The call was made in good faith but on this occasion all was in order’. He added, ‘If you do suspect someone to be in need of help you should always dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard’.
Andy Gunby, volunteer helm, gave the following safety message following an increase nationally to call-outs to paddleboarders:
· Always wear a suitable floatation device and a leash
· Check weather forecast and tide times for your area – if in doubt don’t go out
· Always carry a means of calling for help such as your mobile phone in a waterproof pouch
· Ideally go with a friend or tell someone where you are going and for how long
· If you do get in to difficulty dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard and stay with your board
Notes to editors
· Abersoch Lifeboat Station has been operating for just over 150 years. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/abersoch-lifeboat-station
· The current B Class Atlantic 85 Lifeboat the ‘Peter & Ann Setten’ launches to a variety of both commercial and leisure craft call-outs.
· Photo credit: RNLI/Emma Wood
RNLI media contacts
For more information contact Sarah Leather, Abersoch Lifeboat Press Officer 07583 084338 or email [email protected]. Alternatively contact Eleri Roberts, RNLI Regional Media Officer on 01745 585 162 / 07771 941390 or email [email protected].
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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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