
Abersoch RNLI volunteer crew called out to assist paddleboarder.
HM Coastguard paged the volunteer crew at 1.56pm on Wednesday 11th September following a report of paddleboarder drifting out past the old lifeboat station slipway.
The B-class Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat was launched at 2.05pm in a moderate sea state and a wind speed of around 17-21 knots. They arrived at the scene at 14.09pm.
The casualty, a 52-year-old female, had been picked up by the Harbour Master. The crew assessed her condition to ensure she was safe and well before returning to the lifeboat station.
The lifeboat was washed down, refuelled and left ready for service by the volunteer shore crew at 2.46pm
A spokesperson for Abersoch RNLI gave the following advice for paddleboarders. ‘We would always urge people to ensure they have a means of calling for help such as a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch. Wear a personal flotation device and your leash and if you do get into difficulties hold onto your board until help arrives, it will help you float”. They added, ‘Don’t get caught out by the weather conditions and avoid offshore winds. Ideally try to paddle with someone else”.
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.