Largs RNLI rescue family of paddleboarders
On Wednesday April 2026 at 1:26pm the pagers of the volunteer crew at Largs RNLI lifeboat were activated as HM Coastguard requested the launch of the lifeboat in response to three paddleboarders who were being blown offshore near to Seamill.
The volunteer crew quickly launched relief inshore lifeboat ‘Susan Margaret Forsbrey’ and made best speed to their last known location.
As the lifeboat passed Portencross, the volunteer crew were able to quickly locate two of the three paddleboarders who were in difficulty. These first two casualties were teenagers and as they were brought onto the lifeboat, explained they had become separated from their mum, who was still missing at sea.
With one person still unaccounted for, the lifeboat crew made the quick decision to leave the teenager’s paddleboards adrift in the water to allow them to continue to proceed to search for their mother.
With concerns growing regarding the safety of the third casualty, the volunteer crew onboard Largs RNLI lifeboat requested Troon RNLI lifeboat to launch to assist with the search.
Working closely with the Coastguard Rescue Team on the shore, Largs lifeboat was directed toward the location of the third casualty. The volunteer lifeboat crew were then able to bring her safely onto Largs lifeboat to join her children.
With the knowledge all the family were now safe, HM Coastguard stood down Troon RNLI who were in the process of launching their lifeboat.
With the casualties safely onboard, Largs lifeboat proceeded to Ardrossan Marina where they were met by the local Coastguard Rescue Team. The family was also reunited safely with their dad.
With all persons safe and well, Largs lifeboat was stood down by HM Coastguard, returned to the lifeboat station where it was cleaned, refuelled and made ready for service with the volunteer crew remaining on call and ready to respond at a moment’s notice for the next call for help.
Andrew Malone, helm of Largs RNLI lifeboat, said; ‘Paddleboarding is an activity which can be great fun when done safely.‘We would encourage people to ensure they wear an appropriate buoyancy aid and carry a means of calling for help, such as a mobile phone in a waterproof case. You should always check the weather forecast and tide conditions before you set out. Offshore winds can quickly sweep you out to sea and we would always advise against entering the water in these conditions.
‘If you do find yourself in difficulties you should dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.’
Notes to editors
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Claire McRae, Lifeboat Press Officer, 07738681546, [email protected]
Brian Rankin, Lifeboat Press Officer, 07810862468, [email protected]
Richard Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]
Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]
RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]
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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.
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