Burnham-on-Sea RNLI volunteers exercise with kayak paddlers

As they launched, they intercepted the emergency call; ‘FOR EXERCISE PURPOSES - Please proceed to assist a group of kayaks, at the mouth of the River Parret, with 2 people in difficulty, in the water’.

The back story: In the depths of winter an exercise and training session had been planned with Burnham-on-Sea RNLI and North Somerset Paddlesports Club (https://nspc.club/); the plan was set for Spring with the hope of better weather.

Perfect conditions emerged on Sunday 19th April as planned with a good tide, warm sunshine and calm seas. A mock emergency was called into the station by the paddlers so they could practice what this might be like.

Once on scene, at the mouth of the River Parrett , the crews of Burnham’s Atlantic 85 and D class lifeboats took on-board a casualty each, also ensuring the rest of the group were safe and well. The crew of the smaller D class then delivered the casualties to the sailing club pontoons to be met by the lifeboat station volunteer shore crew.

At the end of the exercise the lifeboats practiced recovering casualties and kayaks from the water with the paddlers also practising recovering the stations rescue manakin from the water back into a kayak to simulate an unconscious casualty.

Nathan Meager, helm and Lifeboat Training Coordinator reported, ‘It’s really good to train with a variety of different craft and people so if we do get tasked then we’re prepared. This was a really useful exercise and we’re grateful for the paddlers’ time, as well as Burnham-on-Sea Motorboat and sailing club who kindly hosted the group.’

Club Safety Officer: Luke Moore says; ‘As a club we want to promote safe and fun paddling for everyone regardless of ability. When we set out on a trip we don’t expect anything to go wrong but sometimes it does. Working with Burnham RNLI allowed us to practice rescues where outside assistance was needed. It was an enjoyable and informative session and we would like to thank the lifeboat crew for their support.

During the summer the club meets on a Tuesday evening locally and organise weekend trips a bit further afield. If you are new to paddling check out our beginners course starting in May. All our sessions are run by Paddle UK coaches or leaders.

A list of five important safety rules, quoted by the RNLI appears below, with further explanation on club website; https://nspc.club/

The 5 Essential Safety Rules,as

1. Wear a Buoyancy Aid: Always wear a well-fitted personal flotation device (PFD) or buoyancy aid, regardless of how strong a swimmer you are. It increases survival time if you fall into cold water unexpectedly.

2. Carry a Means of Communication: Carry a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch on your person (not in a dry bag attached to the board) so you can call for help if you are separated from your craft.

3. Check the Weather and Tides: Always check the forecast, wind speed, and direction before you set out. Avoid offshore winds, as they can quickly blow you out to sea.

4. Tell Someone Where You're Going: Inform a friend or family member of your plan, including where you are going and when you expect to return.

5. Know Your Limits: Paddle within your skill level and ability.

The RNLI in Burnham-on-Sea are currently looking for a number of volunteer roles at the RNLI from operational roles on boats and ashore as well as non operational roles, if you are interested then please make contact on 01278 789375 or email [email protected]

RNLI Lifeboats at Burnham-on-Sea

A 8.5m Atlantic 85 named Doris Day and Brian plus a smaller 4.95m D class IB1 inflatable named Burnham Reach The station was opened officially on 15th May 2004, but has been operational since December 2003

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Mike Lang, volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer at Burnham-on-Sea Lifeboat Station on 07889 815860 or Emma Haines, Regional Communications Manager, on 07786 668847 or [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789

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.