Volunteer crew launch to 2 people drifting on paddleboards
On Sunday 14 August 2022 at approximately 3.40pm, crew from the Clacton-on-Sea RNLI Lifeboat station received a call to aid two people who were seen to be drifting out to sea on paddleboards.
The volunteer crew launched their D-Class ILB (Inshore Lifeboat) ‘Damar’s Pride’ into calm sea conditions making their way to the last reported location, East of Clacton Pier and by popular local ‘Beaches Café’.
Upon arrival on the scene, the two casualties were quickly located by the crew, and assisted back to the shore. Both casualties were found to be well and OK, and when landed to the beach, were passed into the care of the HM Coastguard.
RNLI Clacton Press Officer, Mark Walsham said ‘On a very hot day like this Sunday, it can be very inviting to take a paddleboard to the local beach, but there are some simple things to remember to keep yourself safe.
- You should wear a personal floatation 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!
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
For further advice on staying safe whilst paddleboarding, visit the RNLI website: https://rnli.org/safety/choose-your-activity/stand-up-paddle-boarding’
The lifeboat returned to the lifeboat station, where it was cleaned, refuelled and put back onto active service by 4.30pm.
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact:
Mark Walsham, RNLI Clacton volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07468511158, or
[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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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
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