RNLI saves canoeist off Budleigh, paddleboarders near Exmouth Marina

Exmouth RNLI saved three people from the water in two separate incidents on Sunday (3 July).

Canoeist capsizes off Budleigh Salterton

The first occurred shortly after 2pm when retired Exmouth RNLI lifeboat crew member Simon Turl, who was sailing off Budleigh Salterton, heard a cry for help from a capsized canoeist.

He alerted HM Coastguard and Exmouth RNLI arrived at the scene within minutes as they were already on exercise in the all-weather lifeboat in the area.

The RNLI volunteers found the canoeist, a man in his late 40s, and took him and his canoe to safety. He was uninjured.

Exmouth RNLI Lifeboat Mechanic Roy Stott said: "This gentleman was extremely lucky.

"He had been in the water for some time with no buoyancy aid, his canoe was waterlogged, he had no means of communication and he was being swept out to sea.

"If it wasn't for the sharp observation and swift action by Simon Turl, I believe the outcome could have been far more serious.

"I would urge anyone taking to the water to please ensure you have proper safety equipment including a lifejacket or proper buoyancy aid, and a means of communication, either a mobile phone or marine radio."

The all-weather lifeboat crew were back on service and able to continue their exercise by 2.40pm.

Paddleboarders in difficulty near Exmouth Marina

Just after 6pm, off-duty Exmouth RNLI Coxswain Steve Hockings-Thompson saw two paddleboarders in difficulty on the River Exe.

He notified the crew of the all-weather lifeboat, and two RNLI volunteers, Harry Griffin and Ed Thomas, took to the boarding boat to give assistance.

Two women in their early 20s were paddleboarding for the first time between buoys 11 and 13 on the river [close to Exmouth Marina] but were unable to make progress and did not have buoyancy aids.  

Exmouth RNLI rescued the pair uninjured and took them to the marina.

The volunteer RNLI crew were back ready for service at 6.26pm.