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Paddleboaders prompt callout for Troon RNLI inshore lifeboat

Lifeboats News Release

At 7.21pm on Sunday 18 May 2025, Troon RNLI inshore lifeboat was requested to launch by Belfast Coastguard following reports of two paddleboarders in difficulty off South Beach Troon.

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With the pagers activated, the volunteer crew made their way to the lifeboat station while the Ayr and Ardrossan Coastguard Rescue Teams made their way to assist from the shore. A passing vessel was also able to deploy a RIB that began to head towards the area to provide some additional support.

With the D class inshore lifeboat Sheena approaching the scene, the Coastguard were able to confirm that the paddleboarders had made it to shore with some assistance from the Coastguard team.

With both paddleboarders now in the care of the coastguard team, the inshore lifeboat was able to return to Troon where it was made ‘ready for service’ with the assistance of the shore crew.

Vince McWhirter, Troon RNLI lifeboat Water Safety Officer said, ‘With this incident being the second callout this week for the lifeboat station, we would advise novice or experienced paddleboarders 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.

About the author

Andrew Limond
Lifeboat Press Officer, Troon Lifeboat Station

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