Abersoch RNLI called to assist paddleboarder in difficulty in strong winds.
HM Coastguard requested assistance following several reports of a paddleboarder who looked to be in difficulty due to strong winds and a rough sea state off The Warren beach.
The volunteer crew were paged at 6.30pm on Monday 26th May and the Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat was launched at 6.42pm. The paddleboarder had progressed far downwind past Llanbedrog headland before he was located by the lifeboat at 6.58pm.
The casualty, who was an experienced paddleboarder, refused assistance despite the poor conditions and continued to Pwllheli as planned. Pwllheli Coastguard released the lifeboat from service, however they escorted the casualty to the safety of the beach for their own reassurance.
The lifeboat left the casualty at 7.15pm and returned to the station at 7.34pm where the lifeboat was washed down, refuelled and left ready for service by the volunteer shore crew.
A spokesperson for Abersoch RNLI said, ‘The casualty was an experienced paddleboarder however it is important to remember that you can still be caught out by the weather conditions.’ He added, ‘The members of the public did the right thing in calling the Coastguard’.
If you do get into difficulty, or spot someone else who appears to be in trouble, don’t hesitate and call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
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.