RNLI reports big rise in paddleboard emergencies

South East lifeboat teams responded to 32 paddleboard call-outs in 2023, a figure that has almost tripled since 2019, when there were 11.

Steve Close, 61, and his granddaughter Alyssa, 11, got into difficulty on the water in Pevensey Bay, in June.

The pair ventured out with Alyssa on a paddleboard and Steve in a kayak. But 300 metres off the coast, they were blown out into deeper water and Alyssa lost her paddle as weather conditions worsened.

Steve called his wife Sharon, who was watching from the shore, and asked her to call 999.

In the meantime, Steve got Alyssa into the kayak and lashed it to the paddleboard while they continued to drift.

They were met by Eastbourne RNLI’s inshore lifeboat and brought back to shore unharmed, where they were looked after by Eastbourne coastguard.

Eastbourne RNLI D class launched to save Steve and Alyssa Close who were almost two miles out at sea (Image: RNLI/Fliss Snalam)

Steve said: “We did the right thing. Everyone knew where we were and someone was on the beach able to keep a lookout.

“I was used to the currents but the wind just overtook us. Once we were beyond the sandbar we were in deeper water and we dared not get out.”

The RNLI is issuing safety advice to paddleboard users and kayakers in a bid to reduce accidents.

READ MORE: Seaford: Five people rescued from water after boat sank

People taking to the water should wear a buoyancy aid, tell someone where they’re going, carry a mobile phone, check the weather and know their limits.

RNLI national water safety partner Sam Hughes said: “We always want people to enjoy our coastline but we are urging everyone to think carefully before heading out.

“Our rescue data shows that almost half of lifeboat launches to paddleboarders were due to offshore winds and tides, something water users can check before hitting the water.

“If you are on a lifeguarded beach, keep an eye out for the orange windsock to see which way the wind is blowing.”