Port Talbot RNLI diverted on recovery to two paddleboarders

Port Talbot RNLI were returning from a planned exercise, when they were called over by a safety boat escorting a swimmer at the very end of an epic swim from Mumbles to Aberavon.

The safety vessel had concerns for the well being of two paddleboarders well off shore and appearing to be making little headway, in fading light and wind veering to off shore.

The safety boat did exactly the right thing, in hailing the lifeboat and in discussion with the inshore lifeboat (Craig Morris) helm, it was agreed they would radio HM Coastguard to report their concerns.

While awaiting the potential tasking, a decision was made by the helm, to drop off a trainee a crew member not yet qualified to go on a service call, due to the close proximity to the recovery slip.

Once the trainee crew had been dropped off our volunteer crew were then immediately task by the Coastguard to check the well being of the two paddleboarders. After a rapid relaunch, safe but speedy progress was made to the last reported position of the paddleboarders. Once on scene the paddleboarders were found to be in no difficulties but due to the distance off shore, the veering wind and fading light - it was decided to escort the paddleboarders safely to shore.

Once safely ashore, a report was made to the Coastguard that all was well and the inshore lifeboat was able to make its second recovery of the evening.

We advice all paddle-boarders to wear appropriate leash and floatation devices, keep a means of calling for help on you, and avoid going out in offshore winds.

Once stood down our volunteers returned to their Aberavon Beach front where the lifeboat was recovered, refuelled, washed down and made ready for service.

If you find yourself in difficulty in the water, remember Float to Live; tilt your head back with your ears submerged, relax and try to breathe normally, move your hands and legs to help, you stay afloat. It's fine if your legs sink, we all, float differently. Practise floating in a local pool if you can.

RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Port Talbot RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, Ceri Jeffreys on [email protected], or Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Regional Communications Manager on [email protected] or 07977 728 315.

Alternatively, you can contact the RNLI Press Office on [email protected] or 01202 336789.

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The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.

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