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Abersoch RNLI volunteer crew tasked to assist a paddleboarder in difficulty.

Lifeboats News Release

The volunteer crew were paged by HM Coastguard at 1.46pm Friday 26 May 2023 following reports of a person in the water off Carreg y Defaid.

RNLI/Emma Wood

The Peter & Ann Setten Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat was launched at 1.54pm and arrived at the scene at 2.01pm..

The casualty, who was not wearing a lifejacket, had fallen into the water several times from a paddleboard . They had lost their paddle and mobile phone and had shouted for help. They did manage to get back on to the paddleboard and return to the shore. The volunteer crew assessed the casualty and found them to be a little shaken but otherwise well.

Abersoch RNLI volunteer helm, Andy Gundy, said, ‘The first informant on the beach completed the right procedures and dialled 999 and asked for the coastguard and reported the location and details’. He added, ‘They said they had contemplated going into the water to assist but had decided against it which was the right thing to do’.

He gave the following safety advice, ‘Carry a phone in a waterproof pouch and wear a leash. Check wind forecasts and avoid offshore winds. Visit the RNLI website for more paddleboard safety tips on keeping safe whilst having fun this summer.’

The lifeboat returned to the station at 2.15pm where the lifeboat was washed down refuelled and left ready for service.

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.