Two Port St Mary lifeboats launch to paddleboarders

Both lifeboats Dora Foster McDougall and the Spirit of Leicester launched in a NNW force three wind with a calm sea and clear visibility, and headed to Castletown Bay where the paddleboarders were quickly located and made their own way ashore.

The launch of both the all-weather and inshore lifeboats was due to the dark conditions.

Having ensured that the paddleboarders were not requiring any assistance both the lifeboats returned to station.

Coxswain of the all-weather lifeboat Michael Keggen once again highlighted the need to be suitably equipped with appropriate safety equipment and a means of raising the alarm when undertaking water sports at sea. Advice on suitable equipment will be willingly given at any lifeboat station.

RNLI helmsman Gareth Watt endorsed the need for proper safety equipment and in particular how essential it is to wear appropriate clothing and an approved buoyancy aid at all times when on the water.

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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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