East Sands RNLI lifeguard assists two paddleboarders caught in offshore winds
RNLI lifeguard jumped into action after spotting two paddleboarders struggling to return to shore on Sunday afternoon (10 July) at East Sands Beach in St Andrews.
After monitoring the progress of the two paddleboarders into shore for around 10 minutes, RNLI lifeguard, Jake Muir, entered the water on a rescue board to assist the pair.
Given the strong offshore wind, the charity's lifeguards made the decision to intervene early and pull the two paddleboarders back to the beach before it became too difficult for them to return safely.
Jake said: ‘We’ve seen an increase in the number of people coming to the beach to go paddleboarding. We urge all paddleboarders to wear a buoyancy aid, check the weather conditions and tide times, and take a means of calling for help, such as a phone in a waterproof case.’
If you spot someone in difficulty on the coast, resist the urge to enter the water to help, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. On a lifeguard patrolled beach, alert the lifeguards.
For information on how to safely enjoy paddleboarding this summer, visit: https://rnli.org/safety/choose-your-activity/stand-up-paddle-boarding
ENDS
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Claire Thomson, RNLI Media Engagement Placement for Scotland, 07929 673286, [email protected]
Natasha Bennett, RNLI Regional Media Officer for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]
Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Media Manager for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]
RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789
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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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