Exmouth paddleboarders rescued

Pair swept a mile out by spring tides

Two paddleboarders have been rescued after getting into difficulties after being caught by spring tides.

The coastguard was alerted to the pair, said to be distressed and some distance from the shore, unable to get back to the beach.

Exmouth RNLI launched the inshore lifeboat around 10.25 a.m. and located the casualties within quarter of an hour.

Both people were assessed and, together with their equipment, they were taken on board the lifeboat and back to the safety of Exmouth Lifeboat Station arriving at 10:51 a.m.

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