Paddleboard safety messaging issued just days after 15 rescued
Today marks the first significant messaging since a new world-leading governing body was created for paddleboarding at the start of the year
Last updated 28th Jun 2023
Just days after 15 people were rescued on Stand Up Paddleboards, a new safety campaign has been launched aimed at those new to the sport.
Paddleboarding is the UK's fastest growing sport, with more than 7.5 million adults trying it in 2022 - and the RNLI reported a 20 per cent increase in call outs to rescue paddleboarders last year.
Today sees the first major safety campaign being launched since a new joint governing body for paddleboarding was officially recognised at the start of the year.
It has been welcomed by Rob Wood from the Broadsands Beach Watersports Centre |newtab) who helped rescue 15 paddleboarders on Sunday while they were being blown out to sea in 32mph winds. He said: "On top of the 15 individuals, we made sure around another 50 were turned around and asked to return to shore for their own safety. My staff, some of which are family members, and I risked our lives today because on the whole SUP safety is considered as some sort of joke."
He says the people rescued were of all ages - including a couple in their 30s or 40s - and no one they helped was carrying a phone or wearing a buoyancy aid.
What is the advice issued today?
British Canoeing, the national governing body for paddlesports along with Surfing England, and the RNLI are sharing five key safety messages to help people to stay safe on the water this summer whilst participating in paddlesports
The five key messages are: |newtab)
⦁ Wear a buoyancy aid / personal floatation device no matter how strong you think you are at swimming.
⦁ Carry a means of communication on you. If you become separated from your craft, this is when you may need to call for assistance.
⦁ Check the weather so that you can wear the right clothing and spot any weather that is dangerous to paddle in.
⦁ Tell others of your plans so they know when you will be returning.
⦁ Paddle within your ability and if you need to, take courses to help level up your skills.
Lee Pooley, Director of Coaching and Qualifications at British Canoeing: “Having the right skills and knowledge while on the water is vital. Knowing what you are doing is going to make your paddle easier, more enjoyable, and safer. When starting your paddlesport journey there are a range of courses and videos to support you to develop your understanding and skills.”
Samantha Hughes, RNLI Water Safety Partner: “We want paddlers to have fun and to stay safe when heading out onto the water. Weather conditions, particularly offshore winds and strong tidal currents, can make it more difficult or even impossible to return to the shore so it is really important to check the forecast and tide times before you head out. Remember to wear a well-fitted buoyancy aid or personal floatation device as this will help you float if you end up in the water unexpectedly. Always carry a means of calling for help such as a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch and in the event of an emergency at the coast call 999 and ask for the Coastguard and if you're inland ask for the fire and rescue service.”
A range of paddling advice articles can be found here |newtab)
Why was a new sports governing body formed and why is today's safety messaging so significant?
The families and friends of Simon Flynn, who drowned in Cornwall's Camel Estuary, and Emma Louise Powell, who drowned in North Wales, have been calling for a new governing body to lead safety |newtab)
Today's safety messaging has been welcomed by Simon Flynn's best friend Sam Foyle
Have changes already been made to the way paddleboards are sold?
Earlier this year the family of a woman who drowned in North Wales welcomed a decision by the UK's biggest retailer Tesco to change the way it sells paddleboards |newtab), but warned more needs to be done.
Where can I find paddleboarding safety advice and tips?
A range of paddling advice articles can be found here
What else is the new governing body working on?
Research is underway looking at the impacts of wind on inflatable paddleboards - in the hope that detailed advice can be given for different weather conditions. Research is also underway looking at the different types of safety leash on the market. The new governing body says it aims to continue to build on today's joint safety messaging each year.