A child and their parent were rescued from the water after getting into difficulty.

Eastbourne RNLI’s inshore and all-weather lifeboat were launched yesterday, August 11, at around 5.20pm to reports of two people in difficulty at Beachy Head.

Crews were on scene within six minutes and found a young child and their parent had been pulled from the water by a member of the public after they got into trouble on a paddleboard.

All three people required medical attention, with the child and the parent airlifted to Eastbourne District General Hospital for further treatment by the coastguard helicopter.

The RNLI and the coastguard attended the incident The RNLI and the coastguard attended the incident (Image: RNLI Eastbourne)

Following the incident, the RNLI has issued safety advice for those wishing to use a paddleboard.

Paddleboarders should:

  • Wear a leash and hold onto the board if in difficulty.
  • Carry a means of calling for help with you.
  • Choose a lifeguarded beach and keep between black and white chequered flags.
  • Inform someone of where you are going and when you will be back.
  • Check the weather and tide times.
  • Wear a floatation device.
  • Go with someone else.