Penlee RNLI support for paddle boarders
Penlee RNLI was tasked by Falmouth Coastguard on 9 April 2026 after receiving a call that two paddle boarders were in difficulty 200 yards south of St Michael’s Mount.
On arrival the lifeboat found 2 persons on paddle boards who had been paddling around St Michael’s Mount and were not in difficulty requiring no assistance.
This proved to be a false alarm with good intent, it was right for someone to be concerned and call the Coastguard if they believed some one was in difficulty, they could have saved a life in different circumstances.
If you see anyone in difficulty on the sea call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
The RNLI recommends…
Always wear your leash and hold onto your board if you get into trouble. It will help you float.
Always carry a means of calling for help on your person. You must be able to reach it easily in an emergency. If it can’t be reached, it’s no help.
Always check the weather forecast and tide times.
Don’t get caught out by the conditions. Avoid offshore winds because they will tire you quickly when trying to return to shore
Always wear a personal flotation device. Make sure you are also wearing suitable clothing for the forecasted conditions.
Penlee RNLI is based in Newlyn, Penzance, Cornwall TR18 5HW. The volunteers crew an all-weather Severn Class Lifeboat the Ivan Ellen and a B class Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat the Mollie and Ivor Dent. The Penlee Lifeboat has a rich 200 years history of saving lives at sea.
RNLI media contacts For more information, please contact Phil Monckton, Penlee Lifeboat Press Officer on 07879818095 or [email protected], or Amy Caldwell, RNLI Regional Communications Manager [email protected] or Emma Haines, RNLI Regional Communications Officer, on 07786 668847 or [email protected].
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, 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.