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RNLI St Ives call out to paddle boarder and child in the water

Lifeboats News Release

RNLI St Ives head out on their third shout of the bank holiday weekend

RNLI/Russell Bush

At 3:52pm today the pagers sounded and our volunteer crew quickly and safely made their way to the Lifeboat Station where they launched the Inshore Lifeboat. Falmouth coastguard had received multiple 999 calls about a paddle boarder and child in the water between Godrevy Island and the shore.

With Jake Martin as Helm they made their way to the scene. When they arrived they found a lifeguard on a jet ski had already arrived and had got the casualties back to the shore. The adult was taken to the lifeguard hut and our crew treated the child who was suffering from cold water shock. The child was then returned to their family, who were one the many people who dialled 999. The family then took the child to hospital for a check-up as a precaution.

The Inshore Lifeboat was then taken back to the Lifeboat Station where it was washed down and made ready for service.

Our advice to anyone who is going out paddle boarding is:

  • Wear a life jacket or buoyancy aid
  • Go with a friend - don’t go alone
  • Take a means to call for help (take your phone in a waterproof pouch)
  • Check the weather before you go as offshore winds will blow you out to sea

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity 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 142,700 lives.

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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.