RNLI holds second paddleboard safety summit after man's death in Cornwall
MPs say our SUP safety campaign is being watched closely at the highest levels
Last updated 19th Jul 2022
The RNLI is helping to drive forwards our paddleboard safety campaign, launched after the death of a holidaymaker in Cornwall, as senior MPs in the Government warn they want to see progress.
On Tuesday the second ever SUP industry summit will take place at the RNLI's headquarters in Poole - which aims to build on the success of our first event in Parliament in March - with more than 40 brands, key players and water safety organisations due to be represented.
Ahead of the event MPs have recorded messages for the delegates pointing out the Government is taking a watching brief on the issue of paddleboard safety and wants to see industry-led progress to improve safety.
It follows the death of Simon Flynn, who drowned in the Camel Estuary.
Cheltenham and Simon's MP Alex Chalk, St Austell and Newquay's Steve Double and North Cornwall MP Scott Mann, spoke with Simon's best friend Sam Foyle and Greatest Hits Radio's Andrew Kay ahead of the summit in Poole...
Just last week a woman died and two others were rescued after going paddleboarding on the Conwy Estuary in Wales.
Elsewhere, an investigation is underway into four deaths in Haverfordwest in 2021.
The RNLI is warning it is rescuing more and more people on paddleboards.
Simon's Story
In August 2020, competent swimmer Simon Flynn, 42, drowned in Cornwall's Camel Estuary when his paddleboard ankle leash got trapped in a boat mooring.
Afterwards a coroner said it 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.
In March 2021, working with Simon's local MP Alex Chalk, we brought the SUP industry together to discuss joint safety messaging and gauge support for creating a recognised sports governing body to lead on safety messaging.
Following our event, the RNLI and British Canoeing have been writing to non-traditional water sport retailers urging them to include safety information at the point of sale.
A new course has also been released, aimed at those new to the sport and highlighting key information, which some SUP brands now give out vouchers for with sales of new boards.
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.
Paddleboarding superstar, water safety campaigner and and multiple world record holder, Brendon Prince, has also backed our campaign.
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