Port Talbot RNLI respond to paddleboards and inflatables blown offshore

Tom John, RNLI Lead Lifeguard Supervisor requested support from HM Coastguard due to multiple incidents involving four paddleboards and inflatables blown offshore, on Small Side beach and main Aberavon Beach. Port Talbot Coastguard was also tasked.

Port Talbot RNLI volunteers made their way to the lifeboat station through still busy streets and sea front traffic arriving safely before quickly donning their lifeboat gear. Meanwhile, the shore crew made the lifeboat and launch vehicles ready.

Great care was taken due to a busy prom, crowded beach and an ongoing surf rescue competition. The inshore lifeboat Craig Morris, was launched and made its way to to the last reported position of the casualties.

On arrival, the lifeboat crew were met by RNLI lifeguards who had launched their rescue watercraft. Lifeboat crew and lifeguards worked together to escort three paddleboarders and some people on a inflatable safely to shore.

Once assured of their safety, the inshore lifeboat crew responded to another report of a fourth paddleboard with three people ashore on the rock armour of the Lee breakwater. The lifeboat made best safe speed arriving on scene within minutes. On arrival, the three people assured the crew they were safe and not in need of assistance.

Speaking after the incidents, Tom John, RNLI Lead Lifeguard Supervisor said: 'When it became evident that multiple causalities were potentially at risk in multiple locations off Aberavon beach, we requested assistance via HM Coastguard, who immediately paged Port Talbot RNLI who responded quickly to provide support to the already deployed lifeguards. This was a brilliant example of HM Coastguard, RNLI Lifeguards and RNLI lifeboat crew working in unison to prevent a potential mass casualty incident. All the multi-agency training we take part in resulted in the best possible outcome this evening.'

Steve Summerfield, Port Talbot RNLI Launch Authority, said: 'We advice all paddleboarders to wear appropriate leash and floatation devices, keep a means of calling for help on you, and avoid going out in offshore winds.'

Ends

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For more information please contact Ceri Jeffreys, Port Talbot RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer at [email protected], or Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Regional Communications Manager on [email protected] or 07977 728 315. Or the RNLI Press Office on [email protected] or 01202 336789.

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