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Drifting paddleboard sparks call for Poole RNLI

Lifeboats News Release

Poole lifeboat was requested to launch earlier this evening (5 June) to reports of a paddleboard adrift 200 yards off shore.

RNLI/Dave Riley

Poole RNLI volunteers launching the lifeboat
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Poole Atlantic 85 launched at 6:20pm and located the paddleboard in Poole Bay 200 yards off Shore Road.

The paddleboard was found to be anchored and after a short search the owner located safe and well.

Ed Davies, Poole RNLI Helm said: ‘Thankfully this was a call with good intent and we’re glad nobody was in difficulty.

‘The passer-by did the right thing by calling the Coastguard concerned someone may be in difficulty - we’d always rather be safe than sorry.’

The volunteers made the most of of the good weather and carried out some training before returning to station at 7:45pm.

This was the 35th launch this year for Poole volunteers.

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.

About the author

David Riley
Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer, Poole Lifeboat Station

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