At around 4.05pm, Exmouth RNLI responded to a tasking from H.M. Coastguard to a paddleboarder being blown offshore at the east end of Budleigh Salterton beach. The charity’s D-class inshore lifeboat was quickly launched and soon discovered two paddleboarders in difficulty.
The call to the coastguard was made by the partner of a woman paddleboarder when the strong offshore breeze began to sweep her out to sea. However, by the time the volunteer Exmouth RNLI lifeboat crew of three reached the casualty, they discovered that a second paddleboarder had attempted to assist her and that he had also got into difficulty.
The Exmouth RNLI D-class lifeboat, George Bearman II, and its crew assisted both paddleboarders and their boards back to the shore. Both casualties were unharmed in the incident.
A spokesperson for the RNLI said, ‘We really want people to enjoy the sea and their water-based activities. However, it is important that, before entering the water, people make themselves aware of the weather conditions and the strength and direction of the wind to avoid getting into problems. There’s loads of great advice on our website under water safety.’
The Exmouth RNLI volunteer crew and D-class, George Bearman II, returned to the station at 4.50pm. The boat was washed down and re-fuelled and ready for the next shout.