Horton and Port Eynon RNLI lifeboat launched three times on busy Saturday

The first launch was just after 1pm to a report of paddleboarders in difficulty in Rhossili Bay. When they arrived in the bay, the crew discovered that Burry Port lifeboat had picked up two female paddleboarders who were on one paddleboard and one male on another board. The two females had been spotted by a member of Coastwatch who raised the alarm. They were in the middle of the bay about ¼ mile off shore. The wind was blowing offshore and the tide was going out, so they were drifting away from the shore. When Burry Port lifeboat crew picked up the two females, they saw another paddleboarder nearby and discovered that he was also in difficulty. The crew of the Horton and Port Eynon lifeboat took the three paddleboarders and their boards back to shore in Rhossili.

Both lifeboats then returned to their respective stations. Just before 4.30pm the Horton and Port Eynon lifeboat was again launched to a report of another paddleboarder in difficulty in Rhossili Bay. The lifeboat was stood down after a boat in the area (Sea Serpent skippered by an off duty member of the lifeboat station crew) had picked up the paddleboarder and taken them back to shore.

Shortley before 7pm a report was received of a lady who had fallen and injured herself in Mewslade Bay. The lifeboat was launched and the crew discovered, on arrival in the bay, that she had injured her leg and could not be evacuated up the long, steep path back to the road. The HM Coastguard Rescue Team placed her on a stretcher and she was put in the lifeboat and brought back to the lifeboat station in Horton by sea. She was then taken to hospital.

Lawrie Grove, Lifeboat Operations Manager for the Horton and Port Eynon Station said:

‘If you find yourself in difficulty or see someone in difficulty on or near the coast, phone 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

'To stay safe in the water when paddleboarding the RNLI would advise people to:

'Wear a buoyancy Aid - this will provide extra floatation in the water to help keep you afloat, but it will also help give you time to recover should you fall in – and chances are you will! Buoyancy aids come in different sizes and it is important that you have the correct size as this will help when getting back on to the board; a common problem when learning. Make sure you check the weight range and chest size when buying a buoyancy aid as well as choosing one that is comfortable and allows plenty of movement so you can paddle freely.

'Wear the correct leash. There’s nothing more frustrating than having to swim after your board if you fall off. The leash will also help you stay connected to your board if you get into trouble and help you float.

'Avoid offshore winds. Offshore winds are winds that are blowing from the beach or shore out to sea. Often with offshore winds the water looks idyllic and calm however this can be deceptive as offshore winds will quickly blow you and your paddleboard far out to sea, which can make it extremely tiring and difficult to paddle back to shore. If you are on a lifeguarded beach, keep an eye out for the orange windsock to see which way the wind is blowing.

'If you can, always go with a friend. It’s more fun, and they can help you if you get into difficulty. Let someone ashore know of your plans and return time.

'Always have a means to call for help such as a fully charged mobile phone in a water proof pouch or marine VHF Radio.’

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For more information please telephone Brin Hurford, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07968 269 550 email [email protected].

Alternatively you can contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Regional Communications Manager on [email protected] or 07977 728315, or contact the RNLI Press Office on 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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