Paddleboard industry sends first ever joint safety messages after Cornwall tragedy
They are going out in the wake of our campaign and on World Drowning Prevention Day
Last updated 25th Jul 2022
On World Drowning Prevention Day, paddleboard superstars, influencers and manufacturers will issue their first ever joint safety message.
It follows our campaign in the wake of the death of holidaymaker Simon Flynn, who drowned in Cornwall's Camel Estuary.
As the summer holidays get into full swing, the British paddleboard industry is today trying to reach those new to the sport to help them get more from the experience - and not get into difficulty.
The move is backed by the family and friends of Emma Louise Powell, who died earlier this month in North Wales, and Simon Flynn who drowned in Cornwall's Camel Estuary in August 2020.
Paddleboarding is the UK's fastest growing sport and unlike surfing, where you need a lesson before being able to head out and enjoy the activity, people can blow up a board and venture straight into the water.
In March we brought the British paddleboarding industry together in Parliament in a world first, to talk with MPs and see what joint safety messaging and changes could be agreed.
Last week a follow-up summit was held at the RNLI's headquarters in Poole, which resulted in those attending agreeing to share a message on UN World Drowning Prevention Day.
Messages being shared today include the PLOT campaign and Supboarder magazine's SUP Safer series, advice from the Above Water charity and information from bloggers Plus Size Paddler and SupJunkie
The RNLI and British Canoeing, which is in the process of applying to be the sport's governing body, have already written to non-traditional watersport retailers urging them to improve safety information at the point of sale.
Earlier this month 24-year-old Emma Louise Powell lost her life at Conwy Morfa - while two others were rescued on paddleboards - and her family say they now want to improve safety messaging.
A separate investigation is underway into four deaths in Haverfordwest in 2021.
In August 2020, competent swimmer Simon Flynn, 42, from near Cheltenham, drowned in Cornwall's Camel Estuary when his paddleboard ankle leash got trapped in a boat mooring. Afterwards a coroner said that was an issue for manufacturers to look at
Since then we have worked with Simon's best friend Sam Foyle to see what changes could be agreed.
Paddleboarding is the UK's fastest growing sport and the world's biggest SUP brand RED has backed our campaign.
British Canoeing, which has applied to be recognised as the sports governing body, last year updated its safety advice and released a new video to combat internet misinformation.
After Simon's death, the SUP brand Fatstick agreed to sell two types of leash as standard.
Paddleboarder, water safety campaigner and multiple world record holder Brendon Prince is among those backing our campaign.
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