At 10.26am today Sunday 28 February 2021 the Exmouth RNLI Inshore Lifeboat D-805 George Bearman II was tasked by H.M. Coastguard to a report of two paddleboarders who had become distressed out at sea some distance from Exmouth shore and found themselves unable to return.
The lifeboat, crewed by Helm, Guy Munnings, and RNLI volunteer crew Mark Cockman and James Edge launched at 10:39am and was able to quickly locate the casualties.
Both were assessed and, together with their equipment, taken on board the inshore lifeboat. They were taken to the safety of Exmouth Lifeboat Station arriving at 10:51am. Both were wet and cold but otherwise uninjured. Neither required further medical treatment.
The lifeboat was refuelled and back ready for service shortly afterwards.
Helm, Guy Munnings said, “The two casualties were properly equipped for paddleboarding but had got caught in the spring tide that had swept them out nearly a mile from shore. They had attempted to phone the lifeboat station for help but I must reiterate that the station is not always manned and that anyone in difficulty in the sea should always call 999 for the Coastguard. There are unusually strong sea conditions at present and I would urge anyone going on the water to always check the locality, weather and tides before venturing out. Myself and my crew were pleased to be able to reach the casualties very quickly and get them to safety.”
RNLI advice for paddleboarders can be found here :
https://rnli.org/safety/choose-your-activity/stand-up-paddle-boarding
