28/05/2026
Appledore RNLI shouts today (Wednesday 28 May) to Paddle boarders in difficulty – what happened and useful safety advice
With Appledore RNLI escaping lightly over the bank holiday despite the beautiful weather, today made up for it with both the all-weather and inshore lifeboats tasked just after midday and the inshore lifeboat again later this afternoon, bringing our shout total for the year to 24 to date.
Soon after 12.20 pm volunteer crew for both lifeboats were tasked to launch to Putsborough beach area following several 999 calls to the Coastguard. Two paddleboarders and one swimmer were reported to be in difficulty being swept out towards Baggy Point by offshore winds. On their arrival on scene, it was found that both paddleboarders had been rescued by RNLI lifeguards from Woolacombe after being washed up on rocks. Whilst the inshore lifeboat recovered the paddleboards, the all-weather lifeboat joined the Coastguard helicopter in a full shoreline search for the missing swimmer, quickly also joined by the inshore lifeboat.
Once the entire bay has been fully searched, the coastguard stood down the search. No one had been reported missing nor anyone found, and it was unclear whether there really had been a swimmer in difficulty. The lifeboats returned to station with both back by 2 pm.
However, the pagers went off again two hours later, just after 4pm with the crew of the inshore lifeboat requested to help the RNLI lifeguards following concerns over two people on one paddleboard, again being swept out to sea by the offshore wind, already 600m off Sandymere. Upon arrival the father and son were taken onboard the lifeboat and taken to Westward Ho! slip. No further action was required. On returning to station another paddle boarder was seen paddleboarding close to the moored all-weather lifeboat. Due to the off-shore wind conditions and the tide about to ebb, they were given safety advice to prevent them being potentially washed out of the river and all was well.
RNLI Simple tips to improve your time paddleboarding
Wear a buoyancy aid
A buoyancy aid, a type of Personal Floatation Device (PFD), will provide extra floatation in the water to help keep you afloat, but it will also help give you time to recover should you fall in – and chances are you will! Buoyancy aids come in different sizes and it is important that you have the correct size as this will help when getting back on to the board; a common problem when learning. Make sure you check the weight range and chest size when buying a buoyancy aid as well as choosing one that is comfortable and allows plenty of movement so you can paddle freely.
Carry a phone in waterproof pouch
As well as being able to take photos of your paddle you can also use your mobile phone in an emergency to raise the alarm. Make sure you carry this on you (e.g. in a buoyancy aid pocket or around your neck) so that you can get it easily if are in trouble – it is no good in a dry bag attached to your board!
In a coastal emergency call 999 and ask for the coastguard and if you are inland, ask for the Fire & Rescue service.
Wear the correct leash
There’s nothing more frustrating than having to swim after your board if you fall off. The leash will also help you stay connected to your board if you get into trouble and help you float.
Choosing the correct leash is really important – most boards come with an ankle leash however these may not be suitable for the environment you are planning to paddle in. If you are paddling in tidal or flowing waters such as rivers where there is a risk of entrapment or being caught on an object then wear a quick release waist leash.
Avoid offshore winds
Offshore winds are winds that are blowing from the beach or shore out to sea. Often with offshore winds the water looks idyllic and calm however this can be deceptive as offshore winds will quickly blow you and your paddleboard far out to sea, which can make it extremely tiring and difficult to paddle back to shore. If you are on a lifeguarded beach, keep an eye out for the orange windsock to see which way the wind is blowing.
Additional tips to keep you safe
• Have a lesson. This will develop your skills and knowledge making you time on the water more enjoyable in the future.
• Be aware of your environment and hazards. Understand the location you are supping in – does it change the equipment you need? Strong tidal currents could make it difficult to paddle in your chosen direction or even be unpredictable making you tire quickly. It's always advisable to understand the location you are paddling in as this will really help your SUPing experience.
• If you can, always go with a friend. It’s more fun, and they can help you if you get into difficulty.
• Remember to Float to Live. If you end up in the water unexpectedly or are in trouble in the water without your board then float on your back.
• Check the weather forecast and tide times before you set out. If the water is too choppy, you might find it difficult, especially if you are a beginner. And be aware, the conditions can change quickly. If in doubt don’t go out.
• Tell someone where you're going and when you'll be back. Don't leave the house without a mobile phone or communication device.
• Wear suitable clothing for the time of year. In the winter, you will want to use a wet or dry suit. In the summer although it may feel warm the water is often still very cold and if you fall in unexpectedly, you might experience cold water shock so consider wearing a wetsuit.
• If you are launching on a lifeguarded beach, make sure you launch and recover between the black and white chequered flags. There should be less swimmers in this area, giving you more room to manoeuvre. Consider other water users by learning the rights of way in the surf. This can save you and others getting injured.
Stand up paddleboarders going for a paddle by Nathan Williams (RNLI photo library)
