
Berwick-upon-Tweed RNLI saves paddleboarder
On Saturday 25 August 2024 at 4.49pm, Berwick-upon-Tweed RNLI's crew pagers went off. HM Coastguard requested the launch of the D class lifeboat, as a paddleboarder had fallen into the sea after being blown more than half a mile out to sea from a beach North of the pier in Berwick-upon-Tweed.
Helmsman Michael Avril and crew members Christi Avril and Ryan Dalrymple made haste over to the Berwick pier end, to the last known position of the casualty.
RNLI Helmsman, Michael Avril, said: ‘The paddleboarder had fallen from her board and was struggling to try and swim ashore, her partner also entered the water and was attempting to swim out to her.
'The woman was very lucky someone managed to keep sight of her and we thank all of the public for their help by calling 999 and keeping both casualties in sight.’
On location of the casualty the crew plucked her out of the sea and brought her on board the lifeboat before making a rapid return to the Berwick Carr Rock launch strip at the side of the lifeboat station.
The casualty was brought into the lifeboat boat house where crew tried to warm her, as she was extremely cold and said she had been in the water for 20 minutes.
On the arrival of the North East Ambulance Service, the Paramedics then took her on board the ambulance to be checked over.
In the meantime HM Coastguard Berwick-upon Tweed were also joined by Eyemouth HM Coastguard and Northumbria Police, when a second request at 5.17pm was then issued by HM Coastguard for the launch of the Atlantic 85 lifeboat, as there was more than one person to believed to be in the water.
However just as the crew was about to launch, the call came through to abort the launch as the second casualty, a male had managed to make it ashore. HM Coastguard went to his aid and brought him over to Berwick-upon-Tweed lifeboat station, to be reunited with his partner and to be checked over by the North East Ambulance Service Paramedics.
Once both Casualties were in the safe hands of North East Ambulance Service, the lifeboat was washed down and made ready for service.
HM Coastguard and Berwick-upon-Tweed RNLI then went into the crew room for a full debrief of the incident.
This call could have had a totally different outcome. The RNLI urges all members of the public to think before entering the water, especially the sea. Weather conditions can change in a second and the North Sea can be a dangerous place.
The local crew would like to thank the members of the public who called 999, the Border Belle tour boat for their assistance in collecting the drifting paddleboard, and the Police, Ambulance and HM Coastguard who worked with the RNLI to be able to achieve an excellent outcome
The RNLI recommends that paddleboarders check the weather, particularly before going on the sea.
It also advises: to ensure that before entering the water, you wear a buoyancy aid, a type of Personal Floatation Device (PFD), which will provide extra floatation to help keep you afloat and will also give you time to recover should you fall in.
Carry a phone in waterproof pouch. As well as being able to take photos of your paddle you can also use your mobile phone in an emergency to raise the alarm. Make sure you carry this on you (e.g. in a buoyancy aid pocket or around your neck) so that you can get it easily if are in trouble – it is no good in a dry bag attached to your board.
Choosing the correct leash is really important – most boards come with an ankle leash however these may not be suitable for the environment you are planning to paddle in. If you are paddling in tidal or flowing waters such as rivers where there is a risk of entrapment or being caught on an object then wear a quick release waist leash. There’s nothing more frustrating than having to swim after your board if you fall off. The leash will also help you stay connected to your board if you get into trouble and help you float.
In an Emergency call 999 and ask for the Coastguard
For further information on how to stay safe on the water please visit the RNLI website, where you will find information on all water safety related topics. www.rnli.org/safety
The lifeboat station is recruiting for extra volunteers and anyone who is interested can follow the following link, typing in Berwick Upon Tweed in the search bar. A member of the team will be back in touch to discuss how you can join the charity and help them save lives at sea.
https://rnli.org/support-us/volunteer/volunteering-opportunities
RNLI Media contacts
For more information, please contact Hazel Bettison, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer: [email protected]
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.