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Troon RNLI lifeboats launch to assist paddleboarders in difficulty

Lifeboats News Release

At 5.53pm on Tuesday 18 April 2023, with the sun shining along the Ayrshire coast Belfast Coastguard alerted the volunteer lifeboat crew to two separate callouts involving paddleboarders at Prestwick and Seamill.

Paddleboarder at sea

RNLI

Paddleboarder at sea
With pagers beeping at dinner tables across Troon, the crew made their way to the lifeboat station where they were informed that the D class inshore lifeboat Sheena was requested to head to 2 paddleboarders in difficulty at Prestwick. The all-weather lifeboat was also required to head north to Seamill to 2 further paddleboarders reported to be also in difficulty.

As they crew kitted and both lifeboats were being prepared for launch by the shore crew when notification came through that the D class launch was no longer required as the paddleboarders at Prestwick had made it ashore.

The Trent class lifeboat RNLB Jim Moffat then left the berth and headed towards Seamill alongside Largs inshore lifeboat, coastguard teams and the coastguard helicopter Rescue 199 from Prestwick.

As the lifeboat was still on route, Belfast Coastguard informed the crew that the paddleboarders had self-recovered and were no longer requiring assistance.

The lifeboat returned back to Troon where it was made ready for service with the assistance of the shore crew.

Troon RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Jim Redmond said,' We would advise people to be aware of the risks when on the water as even in good weather conditions can quickly change. As with any water based activity, always check the weather forecast and tide times before going out and always carry a means of calling for help. If you get into trouble or see someone else in trouble, call 999 and ask for the coastguard’.

For more safety information for paddleboarders please visit:
Stand-up Paddleboarding Safety Tips And Advice From The RNLI


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.

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