Largs RNLI assists two people on paddleboards being blown offshore

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.

After a short passage the volunteer crew were alongside the paddleboarders, who by now were some 600 meters offshore.

Due to the location, they were recovered RNLI Helm Dave Hewitt decided the best option would be to take them back to the Lifeboat Station.

Whilst returning to the Lifeboat Station one of the crew members completed a Casualty Care assessment, both were found to be cold but ok.

Once recovered the Lifeboat crew were also met by members of Largs Coastguard Rescue Team, friends of the paddleboards and one family member.

With the paddleboards safely back on shore the volunteer lifeboat crew refuelled and made the Lifeboat ready for the next service call.

Lifeboat Operations Manager John Griffiths says: 'Tonight the paddleboarders were lucky their friends realised they were in trouble and called for assistance, reducing the time they were getting blown offshore. There have been multiple rescues of paddleboarders and inflatables over the last week around the coast, we don’t want to stop people enjoying themselves especially with such warm weather. However, a few simple actions before going on the water can reduce the risks. Check the local weather and more importantly the wind direction, an offshore wind makes the water look very flat and a good time to paddleboard, this is not the case, and it would be advisable not to go afloat.'

The RNLI have the following safety advice regarding Paddleboarding.

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 McNamara, 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 142,700 lives.

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