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Wells RNLI called to assist two children on a paddle board blown offshore

Lifeboats News Release

Wells RNLI inshore lifeboat was tasked by HM Coastguard on Wednesday 28 August for immediate launch at 2:08pm to assist two children on a paddle board that had been blown offshore by the southerly winds on Holkham Beach and could not return to the shore.

Wells Inshore lifeboat ‘ Peter Wilcox’ launched to assist two children on a paddle board in Holkham bay

RNLI/Ray West

Wells Inshore lifeboat ‘ Peter Wilcox’ launched to assist two children on a paddle board

The inshore lifeboat with a crew of three launched at 2:18pm outside the boathouse at high water and proceeded down the channel and out to sea in the direction of Holkham Beach.


Weather conditions were sunny, and visibility good. Wells inshore lifeboat arrived on scene at 2:22pm and in the meantime two members of the public had assisted the paddleboarders back to the beach.


The volunteer lifeboat crew then met with the family on the beach to check they were all unharmed and required no further assistance. The lifeboat was then stood down by Humber Coastguard and proceeded back to station.

At 2:45pm the lifeboat came ashore and was rehoused and made ready again for service by 3:05pm.

Here are some simple tips to improve your time paddle boarding:

Wear a buoyancy aid:

A buoyancy aid, a type of Personal Floatation Device (PFD), will provide extra floatation in the water to help keep you afloat, but it will also help give you time to recover should you fall in – and chances are you will. Buoyancy aids come in varied sizes, and it is important that you have the correct size as this will help when getting back on to the board, a frequent problem when learning. Make sure you check the weight range and chest size when buying a buoyancy aid as well as choosing one that is comfortable and allows plenty of movement so you can paddle freely.

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.

In a coastal emergency call 999 and ask for the Coastguard and if you are inland ask for the Fire and Rescue service.

Wear the correct leash:

There is 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.

Avoid offshore winds:

Offshore winds are winds that are blowing from the beach or shore out to sea. Often with offshore winds the water looks idyllic and calm however this can be deceptive as offshore winds will quickly blow you and your paddle board far out to sea, which can make it extremely tiring and difficult to paddle back to shore. If you are on a lifeguarded beach, keep an eye out for the orange windsock to see which way the wind is blowing.

Additional tips to keep you safe:

§ Have a lesson. This will develop your skills and knowledge making you time on the water more enjoyable in the future.

§ Be aware of your environment and hazards. Understand the location you are supping in – does it change the equipment you need? Strong tidal currents could make it difficult to paddle in your chosen direction or even be unpredictable making you tire quickly. It's always advisable to understand the location you are paddling in as this will really help your SUPing experience.

§ If you can, always go with a friend. It’s more fun, and they can help you if you get into difficulty.

§ Remember to Float to Live. If you end up in the water unexpectedly or are in trouble in the water without your board then float on your back.

§ Check the weather forecast and tide times before you set out. If the water is too choppy, you might find it difficult, especially if you are a beginner. And be aware, the conditions can change quickly. If in doubt don’t go out.

§ Tell someone where you're going and when you'll be back. Don't leave the house without a mobile phone or communication device.

§ Wear suitable clothing for the time of year. In the winter, you will want to use a wet or dry suit. In the summer although it may feel warm the water is often still very cold and if you fall in unexpectedly, you might experience cold water shock so consider wearing a wetsuit.

§ If you are launching on a lifeguarded beach, make sure you launch and recover between the black and white chequered flags. There should be less swimmers in this area, giving you more room to manoeuvre. Consider other water users by learning the rights of way in the surf. This can save you and others getting injured.

Notes to editors

Wells RNLI has a D-Class Inshore Lifeboat Peter Wilcox and a Shannon Class all weather lifeboat Duke of Edinburgh. The boathouse and the all-weather lifeboat were new in 2022. The Duke of Edinburgh lifeboat was the first UK Launch a Memory lifeboat, which has 15,000 names printed on the decals. This helped to raise much needed funds for the RNLI and attracts thousands of visitors to the station.

RNLI Media contacts

Jess Curtis, Lifeboat Press Officer at Wells RNLI Tel 07860200790

Email [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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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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