
Largs RNLI Lifeboat launch to two paddleboarders blown offshore in high winds
The volunteer RNLI crew at Largs Lifeboat Station were paged shortly before 6pm on Tuesday (18 April) after a kayaker had dialled 999 stating they could see two paddleboarders getting blown offshore in strong and gusty wind conditions between Ardneil Bay and the Seamill Hydro Hotel.
The volunteer crew that had assembled at the station quickly launched their Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat ‘R A Wilson’ and made best speed to the location.
Whilst travelling to the area the lifeboat crew were informed that Troon all-weather lifeboat, which was already on a call out, had been diverted to assist Largs and the Coastguard Rescue helicopter stationed at Prestwick.
Further information was also received from the Kayaker advising the paddleboarders were now standing on one of the rocky outcrops and they looked like they were safe at this time.
As Largs Lifeboat was approaching the position given, the helicopter arrived overhead and advised all involved they could see the paddleboarders had started to try and self-recover back to the shoreline, the helicopter crew advised they would stay above watching to make sure the paddleboarders were OK.
With Largs Lifeboat and the Coastguard rescue helicopter now on scene, Troon RNLI were stood down and allowed to return to station. Largs Llfeboat was requested to stand by in case any further assistance was required.
After a brief time, the Coastguard rescue helicopter advised the paddleboarders had made it to shore and had been met by members of Ardrossan Coastguard rescue team and the kayaker. With all casualties now safe both the Coastguard rescue helicopter and Largs lifeboat were released from service and allowed to return to station.
Commenting on this call out Lifeboat Operations Manager John Griffiths said: 'Although the weather today was sunny, there was a strong offshore wind. The offshore wind will give a false sense that the water is calm and ideal conditions for paddleboarding. The two paddleboarders involved in today’s call were incredibly lucky they managed to get onto a rocky outcrop which stopped them from being blown further out to sea. Thanks, must also be given to the kayaker for alerting the emergency services to the paddleboarders plight.'
With paddle boarding becoming more and more popular the RNLI have produced some safety advise and this can be found at the following webpage - https://rnli.org/safety/choose-your-activity/stand-up-paddle-boarding
RNLI media contacts
Brian Rankin, Lifeboat Press Officer, 07810862468, [email protected]
Claire McRae, Lifeboat Press Officer, 07738681546, [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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