Exmouth RNLI lifeboat crew launch to one paddleboarder but rescue two
Yesterday, 3 July 2025 at around 4.05pm, Exmouth RNLI responded to a tasking from H.M. Coastguard to a paddleboarder being blown offshore at the east end of Budleigh Salterton beach. The charity’s D-class inshore lifeboat was quickly launched and soon discovered two paddleboarders in difficulty.
The call to the coastguard was made by the partner of a woman paddleboarder when the strong offshore breeze began to sweep her out to sea. However, by the time the volunteer Exmouth RNLI lifeboat crew of three reached the casualty, they discovered that a second paddleboarder had attempted to assist her and that he had also got into difficulty.
The Exmouth RNLI D-class lifeboat, George Bearman II, and its crew assisted both paddleboarders and their boards back to the shore. Both casualties were unharmed in the incident.
A spokesperson for the RNLI said, ‘We really want people to enjoy the sea and their water-based activities. However, it is important that, before entering the water, people make themselves aware of the weather conditions and the strength and direction of the wind to avoid getting into problems. There’s loads of great advice on our website under water safety.’
The Exmouth RNLI volunteer crew and D-class, George Bearman II, returned to the station at 4.50pm. The boat was washed down and re-fuelled and ready for the next shout.
Notes to editors
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For water safety advice please visit https://rnli.org/safety
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For specific paddleboarding advice please visit https://rnli.org/safety/choose-your-activity/stand-up-paddle-boarding
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When in difficulty in the water, follow the RNLI advice ‘Float to Live’ https://rnli.org/safety/float
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Stock photo credit – RNLI/Exmouth RNLI
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact
Dawn Robinson, Exmouth RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07565 424093 or
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or
Lawrence Booth, Exmouth RNLI volunteer Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer on 07515 522573 or [email protected]
or
Emma Haines, Regional Media Officer on 07786 668847 or [email protected] 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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