Brighton RNLI rescues two paddleboarders blown out to sea by strong winds
Brighton RNLI volunteers were called into action early last Wednesday (9 April) to rescue two paddleboarders who had been blown approximately one mile out to sea by strong northerly winds.
Brighton’s inshore lifeboat launched swiftly and reached the casualties with urgency. On arrival, the helm was changed, and the crew circled the casualties before safely bringing them and their equipment aboard. A request for an ambulance was made due to concerns over shock.
The male casualty appeared to be in possible shock on arrival at Brighton Lifeboat Station and was cared for alongside the female casualty by Coastguard Rescue Officers and the Deputy Launch Authority.
Both were wrapped in blankets and given water and warm drinks in the kit room. An ambulance crew arrived within 10 minutes and took the casualties to hospital for further checks.
'We’re proud of our crew’s fast response and the care given to the casualties once safely ashore.’
- Always wear a buoyancy aid or lifejacket
- Check the weather and tide conditions – offshore winds can quickly sweep you out to sea
- Carry a means of calling for help – a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch or a VHF radio
- Tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back
- If you’re in trouble, stay with your board and call 999 and ask for the Coastguard
At 5.40am, the crew launched after reports of two people in the sea west of Brighton Palace Pier. One had already been helped from the water; the other was screaming for help. The second casualty made it to safety as emergency services arrived. The lifeboat was stood down at 5.42am.
The crew responded to reports that a nine-year-old had entered the sea near the Banjo Groyne and had not been seen returning. Brighton RNLI searched the shoreline alongside Shoreham RNLI, Coastguard teams and Sussex Police. Thankfully, this was confirmed to be a false alarm.
The Coastguard requested assistance for a fishing vessel that had lost steering two miles south of Brighton Marina. The casualty vessel was towed back to safety by Brighton RNLI.
The crew were tasked to reports of two teenagers on an inflatable dinghy being swept out by strong north-easterly winds. The vessel was able to return to shore, and Brighton RNLI conducted a shoreline search to ensure no further distress. They were later stood down.
Shortly after the dinghy incident, the crew were paged again after a member of the public called 999 to report a person swimming out to rescue their dog. The lifeboat was stood down en route after confirmation both were safely ashore.
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 146,000 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.