Bridlington RNLI’s inshore lifeboat was launched on the afternoon of Friday, 24 July after a paddleboarder got into difficulties and was unable to return to shore.
HM Coastguard requested assistance at 5.09pm and, following agreement from the Launch Authority, a volunteer crew was paged to launch the station’s D Class inshore lifeboat Ernie Wellings with a volunteer crew of three aboard.
The RNLI volunteer lifeboat launched at 5.26pm and immediately began working with HM Coastguard to establish the casualty’s exact location and gather further information.
At 5.37pm, the volunteer crew confirmed a sighting of the paddleboarder and informed HM Coastguard that the casualty had been located. Two minutes later, the volunteer lifeboat reached the casualty and assessed the situation.
The paddleboarder was taken safely onboard the lifeboat at 5.42pm, with the decision made to return them to the beach close to his launch site, near the Premier Inn on the north beach. The casualty was handed into the care of Coastguard personnel at 5.56pm.
The lifeboat was stood down shortly afterwards and returned to the beach at 6.07pm. Following refuelling and routine checks, the lifeboat was ready for service again at 6.38pm.
Volunteer Bridlington RNLI Helm, Ash Traves, said ‘This incident highlights how quickly conditions can change at sea. Anyone heading out on a paddleboard should always check the weather and tide conditions, wear a suitable personal flotation device, carry a means of calling for help, and let someone know their plans before setting off. Thankfully on this occasion the casualty had the foresight to have upon his person his mobile phone and was able to call 999 for assistance’.
The volunteer crew’s swift response ensured the paddleboarder was brought safely ashore and placed in the care of HM Coastguard.
