Looe RNLI crews called to two shouts to paddleboarders in two days
Volunteer lifeboats were launched on consecutive days this week to assist in safety concerns
Last updated 21 hours ago
Looe RNLI volunteers have been called into action twice in two days, as their inshore lifeboats were deployed to address safety concerns involving paddleboarders off the Cornish coast.
On 30th July, a rapid response was initiated following a 999 call expressing worry for two paddleboarders situated about 500 yards off Hannafore Point.
One paddleboarder was reported to have fallen and appeared to be in distress. At 3.22 pm, the volunteer crew launched the D Class inshore lifeboat, Ollie Naismith II, and reached the site within minutes.
Upon arrival, the crew found two separate groups of paddleboarders, all of whom were unharmed and enjoying their day out at sea. The situation was relayed back to the Falmouth Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, and the crew was stood down.
The crew expressed gratitude towards the caller for their vigilance, aligning with the RNLI’s ethos of prioritising safety and support even if the call turns out to be a false alarm.
The following day, on 31st July, the team was called out again. At 4.12 pm, RNLI lifeguards at Seaton beach spotted a paddleboarder being carried out to sea by strong offshore winds. Given the escalating situation, a request for assistance was sent to the Looe RNLI, leading to the launch of the charity’s relief Atlantic 85 lifeboat, Spirit of Cooperation.
Arriving swiftly at the scene, the crew found the paddleboarder had managed to get closer to shore and was being helped by a lifeguard on a rescue board. The lifeboat crew monitored the situation until both individuals were safely back on the beach.
As the crew headed back to the station, they were alerted by members of the public on Banjo Pier to an exhausted swimmer who was struggling against strong tidal currents and clinging to the pier. The lifeboat crew quickly retrieved the swimmer, returning him safely to the harbour's pontoon.
Helm Clive Palfrey highlighted the teamwork displayed between the lifeboat crew and the lifeguards at Seaton, noting the significance of the event coinciding with Lifeguard Appreciation Day.
It was a timely reminder of the essential service provided by lifeguards, and timely too given the RNLI's 25-year celebration of lifeguarding efforts across UK beaches.
This series of calls was particularly memorable for James Chudleigh, a former boat crew member who recently qualified as a Launch Authority. Reflecting on his newfound responsibilities, James spoke of the familiar thrill of responding to emergency shouts, drawing parallels with his early days as a crew member.
"Our priority has always been the safety of individuals on the water," said James Chudleigh. "Being a part of this operation and authorising the launch feels as meaningful as when I first joined the crew many years ago."
Looe RNLI continues to emphasise community awareness and safety training for water activities, encouraging the public to remain vigilant and report any concerns.