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RNLI, Paddle UK and HMCG give safety advice after triple increase in SUP rescues

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 155 times compared to just 52 launches in 2019.

The number of paddleboarders whose lives were saved1 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.

Steve and Alyssa met with the volunteer Eastbourne crew at the station on Monday 12 August and they presented the Closes with a new paddle, kindly gifted by Paddle UK.

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

RNLI/Fliss Snalam

Grandad Steve and granddaughter Alyssa Close meet with Eastbourne RNLI volunteers

RNLI/Fliss Snalam

Eastbourne RNLI D class launched to save Steve and Alyssa close who were almost two miles out at sea.

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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