Two callouts for Brighton RNLI due to strong offshore winds

The volunteer crew launched at 2.09pm on Saturday after reports a small dinghy with three people onboard was in trouble.

At the time of the call, the dinghy was west of Brighton Marina, about 400m out.

It had launched from the beach but was being blown further out by a northerly wind and there were issues restarting the engine.

The Random Harvest launched and quickly got to the dinghy. The occupants were taken onboard the lifeboat and the dinghy was towed back to the marina.

The crew were then tasked to two casualties on a paddleboard being blown out to sea off Saltdean.

By the time the lifeboat arrived they were 1-2 miles offshore. They had a telephone and had called 999 as the wind was too strong and they could not get back. When the lifeboat arrived, one had been in the water for nearly one hour.

The pair were taken to the lifeboat station in Brighton Marina.

Brighton Lifeboat Operations Manager Roger Cohen said: ‘We are pleased that both paddleboarders were OK. When there is a strong offshore wind you can quickly find yourself a long way from the shore and it can be extremely difficult to get back as this pair found out.

‘As the sea temperature is still around 11C we would recommend anyone going out to wear a wetsuit and to keep your phone in a waterproof bag so you can call for help if you need it.

‘And if you do get into trouble, stay on the paddleboard until help arrives.

'Stand Up Paddleboards are very popular at the moment and we are expecting to see many of them on the beaches this summer. We hope that people will take the proper precautions and steps to ensure that they can enjoy them safely on the water. If you are planning on using a paddleboard at the beach please make sure to:

• Always choose a lifeguarded beach
• Always check the tide and weather conditions before heading out
• Always carry a means of calling for help on your person in case of an emergency'

Stand up paddle boarding can be a lot of fun, but it is important to remember that as with any watersport it can be potentially dangerous as well if not taken seriously.

The RNLI is reminding people of the simple steps they can take to stay safe and reduce their chances of getting into trouble such as taking time to plan their paddle, tell a friend where they are going, and prepare well before taking to the water.

Simple tips to improve your time paddleboarding

• If you can, always go with a friend. It’s more fun, and they can help you if you get into difficulty
• If you are going out alone, always tell someone where you're going and when you'll be back. Don't leave the house without a mobile phone or communication device
• Bringing your phone to take some photos? Make sure you keep it in a waterproof pouch. That way it won’t get wet, and you can use it to call for help in an emergency too
• Check the weather forecast and tide times before you set out. If the water is too choppy, you might find it difficult, especially if you are a beginner. And be aware, the conditions can change quickly
• Avoid offshore winds. They will quickly blow your paddleboard far out to sea, which can make it extremely tiring and difficult to paddle back to shore
• You should wear a suitable personal flotation device. This can be a buoyancy aid or a lifejacket. Choose one that still allows you plenty of movement so you can paddle freely. Not only will it keep you afloat, but it will also help give you time to recover should you fall in – and chances are you will
• Wear suitable clothing for the time of year. In the winter, you will want to use a wet or dry suit. In the summer, you might be able to get away with a swim suit. But if you are going to be in the water for a long time, you might want to upgrade to something that keeps you warm
• You should always use a paddleboard with an appropriate leash. There’s nothing more frustrating than having to swim after your paddleboard if you fall off. The leash will also help you stay connected to your board if you get into trouble and help you float

Both callouts took place as the RNLI held a beach safety event near the King Alfred. For more safety advice, there will be another pop-up by Rampion Arches on Saturday, April 30 between 11am and 4pm.

Notes to editors:

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.

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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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.