Watch Moelfre RNLI rescue paddleboarder and dog during thunder and lightning

The all-weather lifeboat (ALB) was called out shortly after 8.30pm in torrential rain and a thunderstorm overhead. The lifeboat was prepared and launched, with all crew strapped inside for protection against the elements.

Once underway, the crew made best speed for Cemaes Bay, where Cemaes Bay Coastguard Rescue Team were positioned on the cliff top, keeping watch over the casualty and her dog.

Upon arrival the volunteer crew prepared the small Y boat, the lifeboat’s daughter craft, and launched it in difficult conditions. The Y boat was carefully manoeuvred through rocky, shallow water to reach the woman and her dog, who were unharmed but suffering from the cold and exposure amid a thunder and lightning storm and heavy rain.

They were swiftly rescued, checked over, provided with thermal protection, and brought ashore to the waiting Coastguard team. The Y-boat was brought back aboard the ALB and the crew headed back to the station. The storm overhead was creating heavy interference and making communication between the agencies difficult.

The shore crew waited for the ALB’s return and a break in the storm to get ready and recover the lifeboat in tricky conditions. Moelfre Coxswain Vince Jones said:

‘In 25 years of lifeboating I’ve faced all kinds of weather, but last night was a first. What should have been a straightforward rescue became extremely challenging due to the electrical thunderstorm over Anglesey and north Wales.

‘The casualty and her dog were struggling and had been exposed to the storm that rolled in within minutes. Her paddleboard had partially deflated, leaving her trapped at the base of the cliffs. There was heavy rain and wind squalls topping 25 knots, with a severe weather warning issued just an hour before she got into trouble.

‘The crew worked with great care in tough conditions, as well as the shore crew back at the station, exposed and operating on our slipway. My heartfelt thanks go to each of them and we are so pleased we were able to rescue the casualty and her dog and bring them to safety.’

The RNLI’s safety advice for people heading out on the water paddleboarding is:

• Check the weather and tide times and try and always go with a friend.
• Always wear a buoyancy aid to provide extra floatation in the water to help keep you afloat, but it will also help give you time to recover should you fall in.
• Carry a phone in waterproof pouch – you can also use your mobile phone in an emergency to raise the alarm. Make sure you carry this on you (e.g. in a buoyancy aid pocket or around your neck) so that you can get it easily if are in trouble.
• In a coastal emergency call 999 and ask for the coastguard, and if you are inland ask for the Fire & Rescue service.
• Wear the correct leash – the leash will also help you stay connected to your board if you get into trouble and help you float.

RNLI Media Contacts

RNLI Media Contacts
For more information, please contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Regional Communications Manager on [email protected] or 07977 728315. Or the RNLI Press Office on [email protected] or 01202 336789.

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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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