Children rescued after drifting on paddleboards
They became stranded in strong winds
Two children have been rescued in Portsmouth after they got into difficulty on their paddle boards.
It happened around Tipner yesterday afternoon (Saturday 23 April 2022).
Strong winds meant they'd drifted near the M275 bridge.
They weren't hurt.
Gosport Lifeboat said the children - aged 11 and 16 - had drifted in high winds away from their parents near the Mountbatten Centre, Portsmouth.
Gosport lifeboat coxswain James Baggott said: "The initial reports were of two children in distress so it was lucky the lifeboat was on station and able to launch so quickly.
"We were on scene in rapid time and able to locate and assist the children who were cold, scared and in a state of shock.
"There were some tears when they were reunited with their parents, but we’re very pleased it was brought to a safe and happy conclusion.
"Using paddle boards in high winds can quickly result in users being swept away – especially if the wind is blowing off shore.
"Always wear a flotation device and have means of raising the alarm in an emergency."
Gosport independent lifeboat also assisted two yachts aground on Ryde Sands on Saturday.
The incidents happened in quick succession earlier in the afternoon and both vessels were towed to deeper water by the lifeboat.
Gosport and Fareham Inshore Rescue Service (GAFIRS) is an independent lifeboat station and not part of the RNLI.
More information can be found at GAFIRS.org.uk.