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Port Talbot RNLI tasked to two paddleboarders in difficulty

Lifeboats News Release

This evening (Sunday 11 August 2024) at 6.23pm, RNLI volunteers were tasked by HM Coastguard to reports of two paddleboarders being pulled out to sea by strong offshore winds and an ebbing tide.

Port Talbot RNLI Task to 2 paddle boarder 110824 launching

RNLI/Ceri Jeffreys

Port Talbot RNLI Task to 2 paddle boarder 110824 launching

On a sunny evening with the beach still busy, Port Talbot's volunteer crew dropped all they were doing in response to their pagers sounding. The crew and launch vehicle driver safely and efficiently negotiated the busy beach with speed, looking for a clear path and taking advantage of the balmy conditions.

Despite the careful approach required, the inshore lifeboat Craig Morris was launched promptly and set off to the position notified by the Coastguard - North Pier at Aberavon Beach. Quickly covering the short distance to the location, also tasked were Port Talbot Coastguard Rescue Team who were able to confirm that the two paddleboarders in difficulty had managed to self-rescue and were now close enough to wade safely ashore.

The ever vigilant lifeboat crew then noticed another two paddleboarders further out, struggling to make progress against the prevailing conditions. Due to the strong offshore winds the lifeboat crew made their way over and were able to provide the paddleboarders with safety advice and escort them into the shallows, away from potential danger.

The volunteer crew spotted two kayakers heading towards the Lee Pier intending to fish near the deep water harbour. They were advised of the difficulties they would encounter if they continued to their chosen fishing ground. Fortunately the kayakers took the advice and remained at a safe distance from the shore.

Whilst leaving the kayakers location another lone kayaker was spotted at the mouth of River Afan. The crew diverted to the location and once on scene they were reassured that the sole occupant had realised the risky conditions and was heading to the safety of the shore.

Port Talbot RNLI Helm, James Jennings said:

'This evening fortunately ended well with no water users getting into serious danger. We'd like to take this opportunity to remind all paddleboarders and kayakers the importance of being prepared and staying safe.

'You should always carry a means for calling for help - such as a phone in a waterproof pouch, wear the appropriate lifejacket or buoyancy aids, check the weather and tidal conditions before venturing out to sea. The risks associated with wind and tide together cannot be underestimated or over emphasised'.

Port Talbot RNLI inshore lifeboat was recovered, refuelled and made ready for service, with the crew returning to their Sunday evening.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Port Talbot RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, Ceri Jeffreys on [email protected], or Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Regional Communications Manager on [email protected] or 07977 728 315.

Alternatively, you can contact the RNLI Press Office on [email protected] or 01202 336789.

Port Talbot RNLI Task to 2 paddle boarder 110824

RNLI/Gareth Kehoe

Port Talbot RNLI Task to 2 paddle boarder 110824
Port Talbot RNLI divert to two Kayakers

RNLI/Gareth Kehoe

Port Talbot RNLI divert to two Kayakers
Port Talbot RNLI divert to solo kayaker

RNLI/Gareth Kehoe

Port Talbot RNLI divert to solo kayaker
Port Talbot RNLI recovery 110824

RNLI/Ceri Jeffreys

Port Talbot RNLI recovery 110824
Port Talbot RNLI recovery 110824

RNLI/Ceri Jeffreys

Port Talbot RNLI recovery 110824

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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