Donate now

RNLI issue safety advice after triple increase in paddleboard rescues across SE

Lifeboats News Release

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), Paddle UK and HM Coastguard are urging those hitting the water on paddleboards, kayaks or canoes to stay safe as casualties share their rescue story.

Last year, lifeboat crews launched to paddleboarders across the country 155 times compared to just 52 launches in 2019.

For the 31 lifeboat stations that make up the South East – which runs from Swanage to Southend-on-Sea there were 11 launches in 2019 and 32 in 2023.

The number of paddleboarders whose lives were saved1 nationally saw a six-fold increase over five years, with volunteers saving 3 lives in 2019, rising to 22 last year.

Steve (61) and his granddaughter Alyssa (11) are joining the campaign after they were rescued by Eastbourne RNLI and assisted by the local Coastguard Rescue Team (CRT) in June 2024.

The pair headed out on the water in Pevensey Bay, Eastbourne with Alyssa on a paddleboard and Steve in a kayak during a trip to the beach to celebrate the 60th birthday of Steve’s wife, Sharon.

They were 300 metres offshore when the weather conditions quickly started to worsen, the wind and waves strengthened and they were blown out into deeper water with low visibility. Alyssa lost her paddle and they knew they were in trouble.

Fortunately, they were well prepared, wearing wetsuits, buoyancy aids and carrying a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch.

Back at the beach, Sharon was watching them with growing concern when she got a call from Steve.

Steve said: ‘I phoned Sharon to ask for help and she called 999 for the Coastguard. We kept drifting, so I got Alyssa into the kayak and we lashed it together with the paddleboard.’

Steve and Alyssa were quickly drifting out of sight but Eastbourne RNLI’s inshore lifeboat was soon on scene and brought them both back to shore, where they were met by the Eastbourne Coastguard Rescue Team.

Steve said: ‘We did the right thing. Everyone knew where we were, and someone was on the beach able to keep a lookout.

‘I was used to the currents but the wind just overtook us. Once we were beyond the sandbar we were in deeper water and we dared not get out.’

Thankfully, they were both returned to shore, cold but unharmed and taken into the care of the Eastbourne CRT.

With 10% of kayakers/canoeists and 9% of paddleboarders2 reporting that they make none of the recommended preparations before hitting the water, the RNLI and Paddle UK are urging people to make safety a priority as we hit peak summer.

Their key safety advice is to:

· Always wear a buoyancy aid

· Tell someone where you’re going

· Carry a mobile phone

· Check the weather

· Know your limits

RNLI National Water Safety Partner, Sam Hughes, said: ‘We always want people to enjoy our coastline but we are urging everyone to think carefully before heading out.

‘Our rescue data shows that almost half of lifeboat launches to paddleboarders were due to offshore winds and tides3, something water users can check before hitting the water. If you are on a lifeguarded beach, keep an eye out for the orange windsock to see which way the wind is blowing.’

Lee Pooley, Director of Recreation and Development at Paddle UK said: ‘We are delighted
to be working in partnership with the RNLI for a second year on the #PaddleSafe campaign. We have developed our messaging for 2024 and by including more specific research based information on offshore winds, weirs, flowing water and leashes we hope more paddlers can enjoy their time on the water, whether that's inland or at the coast, and be equipped with the right knowledge and skills.’

Richard Wasson, HM Coastguard Community Safety Lead, said: ‘Paddleboarding is hugely popular but unfortunately, we regularly see people taken by surprise by the conditions and carried away from the shore by wind and tide.

‘To have fun and stay safe just needs a little preparation, such as checking the weather and tide, and having the right equipment. If it's not the right conditions, there's no harm in leaving your trip for another day – the sea will still be there.

‘If you do get into difficulty, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.’

Find information on how to stay safe during paddlesports here: rnli.org/safety/choose-your-activity

Notes to Editors

  1. The RNLI defines a life saved as where the casualty would have died if not for an immediate intervention by the RNLI, another emergency service and/or other third party. This means that many of the launches – for example, to a boat which had suffered mechanical failure - would not be classed as a life saved. Our crews can be tasked for many and varied reasons.
  2. Data is from the 2023 Watersports Participation survey. Recommended preparations included checking the weather and tides, checking craft for sea worthiness, tell someone where you’re going and wearing specialist clothing.

3. Of 155 RNLI lifeboat launches to stand up paddleboarders in 2023, 48% were due to paddleboarders being blown or swept out to sea by offshore winds and tides.

4. Interviews available upon request on Monday 12 August.

About Paddle UK (paddleuk.org.uk)

Paddle UK is the national governing body for paddlesports in the UK. Our purpose is to encourage everyone to go paddling: for enjoyment, health, challenge and achievement. Paddle UK membership includes a waterways licence, liability insurance, discounts and benefits as well as important information on safety, environmental campaigning and performance sport.

Paddlers can learn the basic skills through Paddle UK courses. An Introduction to Paddlesport eLearning can be found here. Topic areas include key equipment, safety precautions and environmental factors, which are essential for all beginners to understand.

About the RNLI (rnli.org)

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Ireland coasts, operating over 238 lifeboat stations and around 240 lifeguard units. 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.

About HM Coastguard (hmcoastguard.uk)

HM Coastguard is the one of the UK's four emergency services, with responsibility for delivering 24/7 maritime search and rescue for the UK Search and Rescue Region and UK coastline. HM Coastguard has over 300 coastguard rescue teams, 3,000 volunteers, and 400 full-time staff including officers at Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres around the UK covering over 11,000 miles of coastline. It is part of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency within the Department for Transport.

Rescuees reunite with Eastbourne RNLI crew

RNLI/Fliss Snalam

L-R Alyssa Close (granddaughter) and Steve Close (grandad) the casualties, Ben Saunders, Mick Wishman, Tom Mele (helm) and James Wishman.

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.

Categories