A report of two youths drifting seawards on one paddleboard off Margate prompted a swift response by Margate RNLI volunteers.
A local fishing vessel contacted HM Coastguard around 6.15pm last night (Sunday 31 May) reporting two young males on one paddleboard drifting seawards east of the Longnose Buoy around one mile off Foreness Point.
With a westerly wind and ebb tide there was concern that they would be unable to make headway back to shore and Margate RNLI’s D class inshore lifeboat was tasked to investigate while the fishing vessel maintained visual contact with the paddleboard until the lifeboat’s arrival.
Once on scene the lifeboat established the two paddleboarders had reached shore unaided further around the coast at Botany Bay and the lifeboat crew monitored them until they were on dry land and clear of the water. The lifeboat was then stood down and returned to station.
Derek Amas, Lifeboat Operations Manager, RNLI Margate said: “This was a time-critical call as had they become separated from their board they could have experienced cold water shock in recovering their situation considering the sea temperature this time of year.
“Thankfully a fishing vessel was able to raise the alarm with the coastguard and monitor the situation.
“We urge people to exercise caution when paddleboarding, in particular avoid two people on one board. Taking a few minutes to assess the weather and tidal conditions will help raise self-awareness and hopefully avoid a tragedy.”
Detailed safety advice on stand-up paddleboarding can be found at https://rnli.org/safety/choose-your-activity/stand-up-paddle-boarding
