Brighton RNLI rescues paddleboarders caught drifting offshore during heatwave

The volunteer crew launched after two paddleboarders found themselves being carried away from shore while enjoying the calm-looking sea off Brighton.

One of the people rescued, 29-year-old Jake Patten, had gone out paddleboarding with a friend after work to make the most of the warm weather. Although the sea initially appeared calm, they soon realised they were drifting away from the beach and were unable to make progress back to shore.

He said: 'We joked at first that we were going to end up in France, but then we realised we were getting further and further out. I was spinning around in circles and not making any progress. I stayed calm, but my friend was really scared.'

Realising they were continuing to drift, he used the mobile phone he had kept in a waterproof shoulder bag to call the RNLI. Around 20 minutes later, Brighton RNLI's volunteer lifeboat crew arrived on scene and safely brought both paddleboarders back to shore.

He added: 'I always carry my phone with me when I paddleboard and I'm so glad I did. When I saw the lifeboat coming, I held my paddle up so they could spot us. The crew were so friendly. I'd like to say thank you so much to everyone who rescued us.'

Although Jake had previous experience canoeing, He had only been paddleboarding for a few weeks and had been out on his new board seven or eight times before the incident.

Phil Jones, volunteer helm at Brighton RNLI, said: 'Paddleboarding is a fantastic way to enjoy the coast, but even on warm, sunny days conditions can change quickly.

‘Offshore winds and tidal currents can carry paddleboarders away from the shore before they realise what's happening.

‘We always encourage people to check the weather and tide before heading out, wear a suitable buoyancy aid or personal flotation device, carry a means of calling for help such as a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch, and if possible paddle with others and let someone know your plans. If you do find yourself in difficulty, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard as soon as possible.

‘We’re so glad we were able to get to Jake and his friend and that he is now safely enjoying the rest of his summer.’

Brighton RNLI is encouraging anyone planning to go paddleboarding this summer to:

• Check the weather, wind direction and tide times before launching.
• Avoid offshore winds, which can quickly carry you away from the beach.
• Always wear a buoyancy aid or personal flotation device.
• Carry a means of calling for help, such as a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch.
• Wear suitable clothing for the water temperature, not just the air temperature.
• Paddle with others where possible and tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.
• If you get into difficulty, stay with your board if it is safe to do so and call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

The RNLI reminds anyone heading to the coast this summer that even during hot weather, the sea can present hidden dangers. Taking a few simple safety precautions can make all the difference if conditions change unexpectedly.

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Hatti Mellor  [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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