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Appeal to hosts to support safe paddling

Lifeboats News Release

Oban RNLI is appealing for the help of the area’s hotel receptionists, B&B hosts and the owners of holiday rental properties and campsites to share the message about the risks of taking to the water without proper equipment, or the means to call for help if something goes wrong.

Water Safety Officer for Oban, Tony Hammock in his sea-going kayak

RNLI/Tony Hammock

Water Safety Officer for Oban, Tony Hammock

The RNLI has produced safety leaflets for people taking to the water in kayaks and on paddle boards and Water Safety Officer for Oban, Tony Hammock, says he hopes people involved in hospitality can share them with guests who intend to go paddling in the sea around Argyll and the islands:

'The coast and islands of Scotland are a world-class venue for sea kayaking, paddle boarding and other paddlesports. The scenery is stunning and wildlife is wonderful.

'However, the complex and powerful tidal currents, which can be imperceptible to the less experienced eye, often create challenging local conditions even in seemingly benign weather. People can be caught out close to the land when they feel that they're not far from safety. While this is one of the attractions for experts, it's a hazardous environment for untrained independent paddlers.'

Tony says that in recent years both locals and visitors have got into trouble, often after deciding on the spur of the moment to take to the water on a sunny day and in apparently gentle weather.

'Unplanned adventures without proper training and equipment can turn into nightmares. People paddling solo are especially at significant risk if something goes wrong.

'I hope people across our hospitality industry, when they're talking about their guests’ plans for the day ahead or they see their car or van piled up with equipment, will feel able to share a safety leaflet and mention that the waters of our coasts and sea lochs can be more challenging than they appear.

'Sea kayaking and other paddlesports on Scotland's coasts needs skills, knowledge and experience which can take years to acquire. That’s why the RNLI always encourages people to consider joining organised groups run by clubs, centres and qualified instructors, so they can go paddling with people who understand the local risks and can help them to safely enjoy our stunning coastline to the full.'

If you would like a pack of leaflets or further advice, please text 07881 915936.

For further information, please contact:

John Macgill Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Oban RNLI on 07711548672

Natasha Bennett, Regional Media Officer (Scotland), on 07826 900639 or [email protected]

Martin Macnamara, Regional Media Manager (Scotland), on 07920 365929 or [email protected]

RNLI Press Office 01202 336789 or [email protected]

Notes to Editors

The RNLI is the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

Oban Lifeboat volunteers last year celebrated fifty years of saving lives at sea.

Oban is a busy station serving one of the largest stretches of coastline in the UK, flanked by RNLI colleagues based at Tobermory, Islay and Campbeltown.

The Oban volunteer crew operate the Trent Class All Weather lifeboat Mora Edith MacDonald from our base at the South Pier on Gallanach Road, close to the CalMac ferry terminal.

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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter 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.

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