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Abersoch RNLI volunteer crew called to assist paddleboarder

Lifeboats News Release

The crew were paged by HM Coastguard at 8.27pm on Monday 26th August 2024 following a call from a concerned member of the public.

RNLI/Sarah Leather

The Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat was launched at 8.44pm and arrived at Llanbedrog headland at 8.53pm where the paddleboarder, an adult male, who appeared to be struggling had first been seen by a couple out walking their dog. They had contacted the Coastguard after losing sight of the casualty as they were concerned for his safety due to the fading light and wind conditions.

The volunteer crew carried out a shoreline search from Llanbedrog to Carreg y Dyfaid and Pwllheli. The paddleboarder was found shortly afterwards on the beach. The crew ensured that he was safe and well and he confirmed that he had not seen any other paddleboarders out on the water.

The lifeboat returned to the station at 9.42pm where it was washed down, refuelled and left ready for service by the volunteer shore crew.

Martin Turtle, Abersoch RNLI Deputy Launch Authority,said ‘We would advise that you always tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back whenever you are heading out on to the water and always ensure that you have a suitable means of calling for help such as a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch’.

If you get into difficulty or spot someone else in trouble dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

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.

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