Six paddleboarders caught in rip tide

So was their dog

A group of paddleboarders enjoying late-afternoon sunshine off Exmouth on Friday have been rescued after getting caught in a rip tide.

The group were off Exmouth Marina when they got into difficulties. 

The coastguard alerted Exmouth's RNLI team to the incident at around 5.45 p.m. 

Within minutes, the inshore lifeboat was on scene together with a colleague of theirs from Exmouth RNLI lifeguards who powered over on a rescue watercraft.

Three adults, three children and a dog were in the water, but only one of the group had a buoyancy aid.    

They were taken on board the lifeboat and, together with their equipment in tow, taken to the safety of Belshers Slipway, Exmouth.

No one was injured or required medical attention.

On completion of the tasking at 6.25pm the lifesavers were stood down and returned to Exmouth Lifeboat Station where the inshore lifeboat was back on service a short time later.  

Specific safety advice from the RNLI regarding kayaking can be found here : https://rnli.org/safety/choose-your-activity/stand-up-paddle-boarding

The RNLI says if you find yourself in an emergency situation or spot someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard. When you take a craft to sea, always let someone know where you are going and when you will be back. Always wear a lifejacket and take a means of calling for help.