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Paddle boarders saved by RNLI lifeguards at Aberavon beach

Lifeguards News Release

Two paddle boarders who were blown offshore were saved by the charities lifeguards

At 12:00 noon on Friday the 14 of July, Lifeguards were tasked by Milford Haven Coastguard to reports of a stand-up paddle board with two occupants, that had been blown offshore at Aberavon beach.

RNLI Senior Lifeguard, Sophie Phillips, launched the Lifeguard Rescue Watercraft and was in scene in minutes of the call coming in. She found two women in their early 20’s on an inflatable paddle board approximately 200-300m offshore. They were unable to make their way back to shore as they had no paddle and struggled in the strong winds.

They were relieved that help had arrived as Sophie assessed the condition of the casualties. Sophie got the two women onto the RNLI’s Rescue Watercraft and towed the paddle board back to shore.

Sophie gave safety advice regarding the use of inflatables in offshore winds and said, ‘it is important to remember to use a stand-up paddle board between the Black and White flags at a RNLI lifeguarded beach’.

Neither woman required any medical attention, and the lifeguards at Aberavon beach resumed normal operations.

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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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