Seaton restaurant hosting RNLI auction fundraising event

RNLI lifeguards return to their full-time patrols at Seaton beach from tomorrow (Saturday 13 May), and the team are busy getting ready for the summer. As part of their preparations, the lifeguards train with volunteers from Looe RNLI to practice lifesaving techniques when working together.

Before the charity auction, at around 6.45pm, RNLI lifeguards and lifeboat crews are due to carry out a planned exercise off the beach, conditions and weather permitting.

The fundraising auction starts at 9:15pm at The Beach House, where RNLI personnel will be present to meet the public and discuss their work and spread key water safety advice. The auction lots will feature donations from local businesses, including the likes of SUP/kayaking vouchers, a vineyard tour and wine tasting.

Across the country, and particularly in the south west, there has been an uptake in incidents in relation to the increasingly popular stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) and kayaking.

Latest figures have revealed that the RNLI lifeboats and lifeguards saved the lives of 59 paddleboarders in the last 10 years, with 75% (44) of those coming since 2020 and lifeboat launches to paddleboard incidents went up 64% in 2021 (144) from the previous year (88). While RNLI lifeguards responded to 132% more paddleboard incidents in 2021 (504) than the previous year (217).

James Millidge, RNLI Lifesaving Manger for the south west, said:

‘With incidents involving these activities on the rise, it is now more important than ever that the public are aware of the potential risks involved with SUP and kayaking. These are wonderful water based activities, however it is vital that individuals are well prepared and informed before getting in the sea.’

‘Seaton is location where such incidents are common and on Wednesday evening, the RNLI lifeboats and lifeguards will be exercising specifically in order to train to recover SUP/Kayak users and their crafts.’

‘We are delighted to be involved with this fundraising evening in Seaton, and look forward to meeting the public and continuing to raise more awareness about our important work for the local community.’

The RNLI’s safety advice to all paddleboarders is:

· Always wear a suitable buoyancy aid.

· Check weather forecast and tide times and avoid going out in offshore winds.

· Carry a means of calling for help. Mobile phones can be kept dry by using a waterproof phone pouch.

· Always go with a friend.

· Always wear your leash and stay on your board if you get into trouble – this will help you float.

· If you get into trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for help.

Notes to editors

· Photo of Looe RNLI lifeboat crew. Credit: RNLI

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Emily Bray, RNLI Media Engagement Placement (South West) on 07929 673281 or [email protected]. or Emma Haines, Regional Media Officer on 07786 668847 or [email protected]. Alternatively, please contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 or [email protected].

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.

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For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

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.