Largs RNLI launch to concern for paddleboarder.

Largs RNLI volunteers launched their Atlantic 85 lifeboat R.A. Wilson on Saturday morning after a member of the public reported seeing a paddleboarder in difficulty off the coast at Skelmorlie.

The volunteer crew made their way to the reported location of the paddleboarder, where they found all was well and their assistance was not needed.

The paddleboarder was wearing appropriate clothing and personal protective equipment, and was also carrying a mobile phone. The lifeboat crew confirmed the paddleboarder was ok and not in need of assistance before leaving them to enjoy the rest of their day.

Largs lifeboat then returned to the lifeboat station, where it was cleaned, refuelled and made ready for service.

John Knowles, Deputy Launch Authority at Largs RNLI said: ‘This was a false alarm with good intent. We would like to thank the member of the public who did the right thing by dialling 999 and asking for the Coastguard’.

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.