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Poole RNLI launched to paddleboarder blown offshore

Lifeboats News Release

Poole Lifeboat was requested to launch yesterday (August 1) by HM Coastguard to reports of a person drifting out to sea on a paddleboard from Studland Bay.

RNLI/Dave Riley

In a strong blustery westerly wind the lifeboat proceeded at best speed in choppy conditions.

Further information came in that a 15-year old was on a board drifting towards the main shipping channel.

As the lifeboat arrived in the vicinity information came through that an inshore lifeboat on trials in the area had picked up two paddleboarders and returned them to shore.

Unsure if they were the same incident, a volunteer from Poole Lifeboat was dropped ashore to speak with the person and the first informant.

It was confirmed this was the person reported to be in difficulty by family members ashore.

Poole volunteer Max said: ‘Thankfully people ashore called the emergency services so help was underway quickly.

‘With the strong westerly winds, close inshore to Studland would be nice and protected, however we’ve had a number of incidents where people have ventured further off and been caught out by the wind.

‘Our advice is to always try to avoid offshore winds, even if it seems nice and calm close inshore, wear a buoyancy aid and always carry a means of calling for help.’

This was launch 83 for Poole volunteers.

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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