Paddleboarders caught in rip tide rescued by Exmouth RNLI

At 5.45pm on Friday 12 August, H.M. Coastguard requested the crew of Exmouth inshore lifeboat D-805 George Bearman II to attend the area off Exmouth Marina following a report of a number of water users caught in a rip tide in that area.

The volunteer crew launched at 5.51pm and were quickly on scene together with a colleague from Exmouth RNLI Lifeguards on their rescue watercraft. The lifesavers located the casualties, three adults, three children and a dog, all of whom were in the water. Only one of the group had a buoyancy aid.   

All casualties were assisted on board the lifeboat and, together with their equipment in tow, then taken to the safety of Belshers Slipway, Exmouth. None were injured or required medical attention.

On completion of the tasking at 6.25pm the lifesavers were stood down and returned to Exmouth Lifeboat Station where the inshore lifeboat was back on service a short time later. 

Exmouth RNLI crew who took part in the tasking were:

Inshore Lifeboat: Helm Henry Mock, Roy Stott and Ed Thomas.

Exmouth RNLI Lifeguard: Joe Kelly

Other volunteers were Deputy Launch Authority, Hedley Saunders. Tractor Driver Neil Cannon. Head Launcher Tim Barnes and Shore Crew, Scott Ranft, Mark Sansom, Jake Butt and Jake Richards.

Specific safety advice from the RNLI regarding kayaking can be found here: https://rnli.org/safety/choose-your-activity/stand-up-paddle-boarding

If you find yourself in an emergency situation or spot someone else in trouble, you should always call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard. When you take a craft to sea, always let someone know where you are going and when you will be back. Always wear a lifejacket and take a means of calling for help.