RNLI warning to paddleboarders as the weather warms up
Crews were called to Budleigh Salterton Beach last Thursday
The RNLI are reminding people of the importance of checking weather conditions after rescuing two paddleboarders in Devon.
Crews were called to Budleigh Salterton Beach last Thursday.
One of the paddleboarders was being swept out to sea by a strong offshore breeze - and a second paddleboarder got into difficulty trying to help her.
Sharing details about the shout last week, RNLI Exmouth said on their Facebook page: "On 3 July 2025 at around 4.05pm, Exmouth RNLI responded to a tasking from H.M. Coastguard to a paddleboarder being blown offshore at the east end of Budleigh Salterton beach.
"The charity’s D-class inshore lifeboat, George Bearman II, was quickly launched and soon discovered not one but two paddleboarders in difficulty.
"The call to the coastguard was made by the partner of a woman paddleboarder when the strong offshore breeze began to sweep her out to sea. However, by the time the volunteer Exmouth RNLI lifeboat crew of three reached the casualty, they discovered that a second paddleboarder had attempted to assist her and that he had also got into difficulty.
"The Exmouth RNLI D-class lifeboat and its volunteer crew assisted both paddleboarders and their boards back to the shore. Both casualties were unharmed in the incident."
'We really want people to enjoy the sea'
A spokesperson for the RNLI said: "We really want people to enjoy the sea and their water-based activities.
"However, it is important that, before entering the water, people make themselves aware of the weather conditions and the strength and direction of the wind to avoid getting into problems.
"There’s loads of great advice on our website under water safety."
The Exmouth RNLI volunteer crew and D-class, George Bearman II, returned to the station at 4.50pm.
For more information regarding water safety when paddle-boarding, go to the RNLI website.