RNLI Tighnabruaich Launch to assist paddleboarder blown out to sea.

Tasked by HM Coastguard the lifeboat James and Helen Mason made best speed to locate the casualty. Still tethered to their board and wearing a personal flotation device, the boarder had lost their paddle as they struggled against an offshore wind for some time. Their family on Ettrick Bay beach had raised the alarm, and the casualty was cold and exhausted when RNLI crew helped them to safety aboard the lifeboat.

Liaising with colleagues from Rothesay Coastguard Rescue Team, the casualty was transferred safely ashore to access appropriate medical care and support. RNLI Tighnabruaich's class B lifeboat then returned to base and was made ready for next service.

In 2022 there were 26 launches in Scotland to assist Stand-Up Paddleboarders with 24 people aided and 3 lives saved.

When you venture to go out on your board:

• wear a life jacket or buoyancy aid
• take a friend - don't go alone
• take a means to call for help
• check the weather before you go

If you see someone in difficulty in the water call 999 and ask for the Coastguard

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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter 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.