UK Coastguard tasked Porthcawl RNLI’s volunteer crew on bank holiday Monday following a report of multiple paddleboarders in difficulty at Ogmore By Sea.
3 pairs of people each with a paddleboard were taken onboard the charity’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat, Rose of the Shires. Each of the paddleboarders were struggling against strong offshore winds and the tidal current from the incoming spring tide.
All 6 people and their paddleboards were dropped back ashore at Ogmore Beach and met by Porthcawl RNLI’s colleagues from RNLI Lifeguards South East Wales.
The RNLI safety advice to all paddleboarders is:
· Always wear a suitable buoyancy aid.
· Check weather forecast and tide times and avoid offshore winds.
· Carry a means of calling for help. Mobile phones can be kept dry by using a waterproof phone pouch.
· Always go with a friend.
· Always wear your leash and stay on your board if you get into trouble – this will help you float.
· If you get into trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for help.
For further information on paddleboarding safely: https://rnli.org/…/choose-your…/stand-up-paddle-boarding
To support Porthcawl RNLI volunteer crew: Porthcawl RNLI Lifesavers Fund 2022