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Troon RNLI inshore lifeboat assists paddleboarder at Stevenston

Lifeboats News Release

At 4.17pm on Tuesday 13 May 2025, Belfast Coastguard requested the launch of Troon RNLI inshore lifeboat Sheena following reports of a paddleboarder in difficulty off the coast of Stevenston.

RNLI/TroonLifeboat

Troon inshore lifeboat Sheena
With the pagers activated, the volunteer crew made their way to the lifeboat station from their homes and their places of work to launch the inshore lifeboat to the scene while the Ayr and Ardrossan Coastguard Rescue Teams made their way to assist from the shore.

With the lifeboat approaching the scene, the coastguard teams were able to observe the casualty from the shore, guiding the lifeboat to the paddleboarders position.

On arrival, the lifeboat crew were able to take the paddleboarder back to the shore while also assisting another member of public who had gone to the paddleboarders aid.

Both were then passed over into the care of the coastguard teams and the lifeboat was able to return to Troon where it was made ‘ready for service’ with the assistance of the shore crew.

Following the callout, Troon RNLI inshore lifeboat helm Paul Alexander, said, ‘If you are heading out to sea as a novice or experienced paddleboarder, it’s important to take note of the following safety advice:

If you can, go with a friend but if you are going out alone, always tell someone where you're going and when you'll be back.

Don't leave the house without a mobile phone or communication device, such as a VHF radio, and keep it in a waterproof pouch so you can call for help.

Check the weather forecast, wind direction and tide times before you set out.

Always wear a suitable personal flotation device and wear suitable clothing for the time of year.’

Key facts about the RNLI

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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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.

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