Port Talbot RNLI launch to reports of a paddle boarder in difficulty.

Friday 4 April 2025

On the hottest day of the year so far, the eagle eyed Lifeboat Operations Manager Clive Morris spotted a paddle boarder appearing to be struggling to make progress against the fresh off shore wind.

Port Talbot RNLI launch to a paddle boarder on distress

After discussing his observations with HM Coastguard at Milford Haven, a decision was made to page our volunteer crew at 6:26pm on Friday 4 April.

Despite the heavy rush hour traffic and people taking advantage of the stunning weather, the volunteer crew assembled in impressive numbers speedily and safely launching into the golden evening sky.

Under the command of Helm James Jennings, who was expertly guided by land based Lifeboat Operations Manager Clive Morris to the position of the casualty, who was making no gain against the fresh off shore breeze.

Upon arrival to the scene our volunteer crew checked on the welfare of the teenage male who stated he hadn’t realised just how far out the breeze had pushed him until the lifeboat arrived alongside.

Exhausted but buoyed by the presence of our D Class inshore lifeboat, ‘Craig Morris’ the young casualty was escorted safely ashore under his own steam.

Helm, James Jennings, said:

‘On this occasion the outcome was favourable. We would remind all water users to check the weather, tide, wear appropriate protective clothing, have a buoyancy aid and also a means to call for assistance in an emergency.'

This evening was also the first shout for Jason Clifford-Hillman, having just returned from the RNLI College Poole Crew Emergency Procedure course days earlier.

Jason, said:

'After transferring from Severn Area Rescue Association Beachley Independent Lifeboat station to the RNLI this was the first opportunity to put the hugely impressive training into action. Excellent training is one thing but there is nothing better than putting what you have spent so many hours perfecting into practice.’

Once the casualty was safely escorted to the shore our volunteer crew returned to their Aberavon beach front recovery location. They were met by the very welcome site of our shore crew who recovered, refuelled and washed down all equipment and made ready for their next call to save lives at sea.

Our volunteers were then able to return to their family and friends and the many now cold BBQs.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Port Talbot RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, Ceri Jeffreys on [email protected], or Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Regional Communications Manager on [email protected] or 07977 728 315.

Alternatively, you can contact the RNLI Press Office on [email protected] or 01202 336789.

Port Talbot RNLI recovery after tasking 040425

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, X, TikTok 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.

Port Talbot RNLI launch to reports of a paddle boarder in difficulty.

About the author

Categories