Fowey D class launches to assist paddleboarders

They had been spotted by the NCI and there was concern that two adults and one child appeared to be in difficulty on two paddle boards about a mile off Par beach. There was an offshore wind taking them out and they were struggling to reach the shore.

The inshore lifeboat crew located the paddleboarders who had made their way to the shoreline. They confirmed that they had got into a bit of difficulty earlier, but were now fine and did not require assistance. The lifeboat returned to station re-fuelled and made ready for service.

Fowey Lifeboat Operations Manager, Chris Ogg said: ‘It’s important to check weather conditions before going out paddleboarding. Avoid offshore winds because they will tire you quickly when trying to return to shore. Always wear a personal floatation device and a leash and hold onto your board if you get into trouble. Try to choose a lifeguarded beach and always carry a means of calling for help. If you do get into trouble, 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.

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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.