Barmouth RNLI divert exercise to assist paddleboarder in difficulty
Sunday 6th April saw the crew out on exercise in inshore lifeboat (ILB) Craig Steadman where they had just made the decision to return to the boathouse due to increasing winds, when they were tasked by HM Coasgtguard to reports of a paddleboarder in difficulty
On arriving at the scene 100 metres off the main beach infront of the boathouse the volunteer crew recovered the paddleboarder from the water and returned the casualty and their board safely to the shore, offering advice about offshore winds and inflatables.
The volunteer crew then returned to the boathouse where ILB Craig Steadman was refuelled and readied for service.
The casualty reported that they knew it was windy but as they could see the sea bed they thought they could walk back in if it got too much. However, after stepping on the board, the wind took them straight out to sea and after just ten seconds they couldn’t see the sea bed anymore. The wind was too strong to paddle back to shore, so they tried to swim back in. The casualty found they were too tired to swim so clung to the board until help arrived. A scary incident for them.
Helm Daryl James said ‘this is a timely reminder to anyone thinking of entering the water with inflatables or paddleboards to consider a number of factors. Firstly check that there is not an offshore wind which inevitably will blow you out to sea. Ensure you are properly equipped with a lifejacket or buoyancy aid and means of communication for assistance if required, such as a phone or radio in a waterproof bag. Fortunately on this occasion a friend was able to raise an alarm. Also, should you have the misfortune to be carried out to sea then it is best to stay with your craft as it will be much easier to locate by the lifeboat or coastguard crew.
Remember if you see anyone in difficulty at the coast, call 999 and ask for the coastguard.’
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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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