RNLI encouraging water safety this summer

KentOnline / KMTV

As we enter the summer months, the Whitstable RNLI are warning people abut the danger's of paddle boards after two men needed rescuing after strong winds blew them and their paddle boards out to sea.  Sophie Denny reports

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00:00This is the moment two paddleboarders were rescued off the coast of Laysdown Beach.

00:15Paddleboards are particularly susceptible to windy conditions, becoming the RNLI's most

00:20rescued kind of casualty. With the summer holidays approaching, the RNLI are warning

00:25the public about the risks of venturing into the sea, especially in strong winds.

00:30Over the years it's traditionally been children in inflatable dinghies and lilos and things

00:36that's been the issue. However, we get far fewer of them now and we get far more calls

00:42to sit on kayaks and paddleboards. The issue with them is they sit on the surface of the

00:47sea as opposed to in it and they're very susceptible to being blown by the wind. Living by the coast,

00:53it's easy to become complacent and think that nothing's ever going to go wrong, no accidents

00:57will happen. Unfortunately, they can happen anywhere. So the more that people are aware

01:02that while the sea is brilliant fun, it can also be dangerous and needs treating with respect.

01:06That can only be a good thing.

01:08Over 200 people are swept out to sea across the UK each year. Just behind me you can see

01:14the Isle of Sheppey where the Whitstable RNLI rescued two individuals who found themselves

01:19300 yards away from the shore.

01:24Roger, starting engines.

01:26Last year, the Whitstable RNLI answered 48 calls for help. There were 193 accidental water-related

01:33fatalities across the UK in 2024, including five people across Kent and Medway. In windy conditions

01:40such as these, it is easy to be blown out to sea. And with summer upon us, educating children

01:46and adults about how to enjoy water safely is a top priority.

01:50We don't want to scare people about going to the beach. Not at all. We want people to understand

01:57that it's really great to be by the sea. Also, we include being by rivers and lakes and things,

02:03water anywhere. It's great to have fun, but so, so, so important to stay safe.

02:10We want youngsters to be aware of a few basic understandings. Even very young children can

02:15understand about tides and winds. And we always hope that they would take those messages back

02:23to their grown-ups.

02:31If you're planning on heading to the beach for some sun, sea and sand this summer, simple

02:36precautions such as watching out for strong winds and visiting a lifeguarded beach will

02:40help you enjoy your holidays safely. Sophie Denny for KMTV in Whitstable.

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