Paddleboarders caught in tide rescued by Exmouth Lifeboat
Exmouth RNLI lifesavers were tasked this evening to attend a report of a number of paddleboarders reportedly caught in a rip tide off Exmouth Marina.
At 5.45pm today Friday 12 August 2022, H.M. Coastguard requested the crew of Exmouth inshore lifeboat D-805 George Bearman II to attend the area off Exmouth Marina following a report of a number of water users caught in a rip tide in that area.
The volunteer crew launched at 5.51pm and were quickly on scene together with a colleague from Exmouth RNLI Lifeguards on their rescue watercraft. The lifesavers located the casualties, three adults, three children and a dog, all of whom were in the water. Only one of the group had a buoyancy aid.
All casualties were assisted on board the lifeboat and, together with their equipment in tow, then taken to the safety of Belshers Slipway, Exmouth. None were injured or required medical attention.
On completion of the tasking at 6.25pm the lifesavers were stood down and returned to Exmouth Lifeboat Station where the inshore lifeboat was back on service a short time later.
Exmouth RNLI crew who took part in the tasking were :
Inshore Lifeboat : Helm : Henry Mock, Roy Stott and Steve Satchell.
Exmouth RNLI Lifeguard : Joe Kelly
Other volunteers were Deputy Launch Authority, Hedley Saunders. Tractor Driver : Neil Cannon. Head Launcher : Tim Barnes and Shore Crew, Scott Ranft, Mark Sansom, Jake Butt and Jake Richards.
Specific safety advice from the RNLI regarding kayaking can be found here :
https://rnli.org/safety/choose-your-activity/stand-up-paddle-boarding
If you find yourself in an emergency situation or spot someone else in trouble, you should always call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard. When you take a craft to sea, always let someone know where you are going and when you will be back. Always wear a lifejacket and take a means of calling for help.
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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