Whitby RNLI crew rescue paddle boarder stranded at sea.

The paddle boarder who was paddling alone was approached by a surfer who noticed they were in difficulty. A member of the public alerted the coastguard and the inshore lifeboat was promptly launched from Whitby Lifeboat Station.

The three volunteer crew quickly spotted the pair, and offered assistance. The paddle boarder initially attempted to paddle back to shore himself under the watch of the volunteers but soon realised it wasn't going to be possible against the off shore wind.

The crew were able to help the paddle boarder back to shore safely by pulling them alongside the inshore lifeboat and performing a beach landing, which they train for regularly.

RNLI helm Andy Cass said: 'The casualty was clearly very tired, it wasn't a rough sea but when the winds pick up it can be really hard work to battle against them.

Our advice to all paddle boarders would be to check the conditions before you head out to sea, always go with the correct equipment, wear a personal flotation device and carry a means of calling for help.

All of the above reduce the chances of getting into difficulty in the water, as situations can quickly change and become more dangerous.'

We would like to thank the Coastguard for their assistance as well as the surfer who acted quickly to assist the paddle boarder.

For more information contact Lifeboat Press Officer Ceri Oakes on 07813359428 or at [email protected]

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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