Two separate groups of paddle boarders – a total of 10 people including two children – had to be rescued from drifting out to sea by Swanage RNLI’s inshore lifeboat.
The incidents happened during Swanage’s popular lifeboat week which took place from Saturday 10th to Sunday 18th August 2024 and raised money for the charity to help save lives at sea.
Plenty of events during Swanage Lifeboat Week but it was business as usual for the crew who launched three rescues during the week
Three paddle boarders in difficulty
The first rescue was to help three paddle boarders reported to be in difficulty off Peveril Point. The D class inshore lifeboat (ILB) launched at 4.24 pm on Friday 16th August 2024.
Swanage Lifeboat Station reported:
“The volunteers were paged and the ILB was soon underway. Once on the scene the paddle boarders could not be located, so the ILB headed north to see if they could find them.
“Eventually the three casualties were located rafted together north east of Old Harry rocks.”
The paddle boarders were picked up by the lifeboat and taken back to Swanage Beach where they were met by Swanage Coastguard.
Swanage D Class inshore lifeboat launches on Monday 12th August 2024 to rescue four people on a jetski and doughnut near Old Harry
“Struggling in the brisk offshore wind and ebb tide”
The second incident was two days later on Sunday 18th August 2024 at 1.20 pm. This time there were seven people including two children in difficulty off Old Harry rocks
Swanage Lifeboat Station reported:
“The people were on a variety of paddle boards and inflatable kayaks and were struggling in the brisk offshore wind and ebb tide. The inshore lifeboat launched and located the casualties.
“Two children were taken aboard the lifeboat and a kayak with two adults was towed back to Studland. The remaining casualties were then escorted back to safety.”
There was also a third incident earlier in the week on Monday 12th August 2024
A jet ski had sucked up its own towline and was quickly drifting out to sea with two people onboard and two people in an inflatable doughnut behind.
The ILB launched and located the stricken craft. After checking that everyone was fine, they were taken aboard the lifeboat and the jet ski was safely towed back into Poole Harbour.
Swanage Lifeboat Week ended with a service on Swanage Pier with the all weather lifeboat crew attending by boat
Six-fold increase in lives saved over five years
In 2023 according to RNLI figures, UK lifeboat crews launched to paddle boarders 155 times compared to just 52 launches in 2019.
The number of paddle boarders whose lives were saved saw a six-fold increase over five years, with volunteers saving three lives in 2019, rising to 22 last year.
RNLI national water safety partner, Sam Hughes said:
“We always want people to enjoy our coastline but we are urging everyone to think carefully before heading out.
“Our rescue data shows that almost half of lifeboat launches to paddle boarders were due to offshore winds and tides, something water users can check before hitting the water. If you are on a lifeguarded beach, keep an eye out for the orange windsock to see which way the wind is blowing.”
Key safety advice
- Always wear a buoyancy aid
- Tell someone where you’re going
- Carry a mobile phone
- Check the weather
- Know your limits
“Taken by surprise by the conditions”
HM Coastguard community safety lead, Richard Wasson said:
“Paddleboarding is hugely popular but unfortunately, we regularly see people taken by surprise by the conditions and carried away from the shore by wind and tide.
“To have fun and stay safe just needs a little preparation, such as checking the weather and tide, and having the right equipment. If it’s not the right conditions, there’s no harm in leaving your trip for another day – the sea will still be there.
“If you do get into difficulty, call 999 and ask for the coastguard.”
Further information
- More on how to stay safe during paddlesports
