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Strong Easterly winds cause two paddleboard call outs for Largs RNLI.

Lifeguards News Release

The volunteer RNLI crew at Largs Lifeboat station were initially launched at 6.05pm Tuesday 5 September, after multiple 999 calls regarding a paddleboarder being blown offshore from Seamill in strong Easterly winds.

RNLI

Largs Atlantic 85 Lifeboat R A Wilson

On arrival at the boathouse the volunteer crew were advised that UK Coastguard had received 999 calls from concerned members of the public who could see a paddleboarder struggling to get back onshore off Seamill beach.

Within minutes the crew had launched their Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat R A Wilson and set off towards the location.

Whilst on route more information was received stating that the local coastguard rescue team from Ardrossan were now on scene and could see that a kayaker was paddling out to assist the paddleboarder.

As the Lifeboat arrived at the location, they were advised that the kayaker had managed to tow the paddleboarder and his son ashore and they were now safe.

Whilst in the area other inflatable kayakers and paddleboarders were seen entering the water, one of which that had two persons onboard had already started to be blown offshore faster than they could paddle back. The lifeboat approached the couple and advised they should return to the nearest safe part of the beach and not to relaunch as the wind was constantly increasing.

At this time Helmsman Dave Linton contacted the onshore coastguards and after discussion they agreed to contact those with the inflatables and give them advice that due to the wind direction and speed it would be advisable to keep them ashore.

With no further concerns for any other members of the public the Lifeboat was released and returned to the station.

As the volunteer crew were recovering the Lifeboat, they were made aware that another call out was unfolding, this time it was two paddleboarders being blown offshore near Skelmorlie to the North of Largs

Within a couple of minutes, the volunteer crew were relaunching the lifeboat and were making best speed to the location provided.

After five minutes the Lifeboat arrived on scene where they found a single paddleboarder being towed to shore by another kayaker.

On talking to them the crew of the lifeboat were advised the second paddleboarder was much further out to sea, after receiving a description of the person and board and a general direction the crew made best use of the Atlantic 85 Lifeboats 35 knot speed to start searching for the remaining casualty.

After a short search the paddleboarder was spotted, and due to the increasing sea conditions the helm of the lifeboat carefully came alongside allowing the casualty and the paddleboard to be recovered to the Lifeboat.

After an initial casualty care assessment, the person was found to be cold and wet but otherwise ok.

Whilst motoring back towards shore the other paddleboarder and kayaker were seen back onshore safe.

Due to the rocky coastline, Helmsman Dave Linton decided the best course of action was to take the lifeboat as close to shore as possible and then walk it in ensuring no damage would be caused to the lifeboat.

This allowed the crew to then carry the casualty across the rocky beach and into the care of the local Coast guard rescue team from Largs.

As all parties were now safely ashore the lifeboat crew were once again released from service and returned to station where the Lifeboat was refuelled, washed down and made ready for the next service call.

Commenting on the evenings call outs Helmsman Dave Linton stated This evening’s weather although sunny had a very strong Easterly wind blowing, which increased as the evening went on. Although the water looked appealing for paddle boarding, I would advise anyone taking part in this sport to look at the weather forecast for the coming hours to ensure the wind does not catch them out as it seemed to be the case this evening.

The RNLI has produced the following safety advice for paddleboarders 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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For more information on the RNLI please visit rnli.org. News releases and other media resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are available at the RNLI News Centre rnli.org/news-and-media.

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 over 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 142,200 lives.

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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