Lifeboat crew rescues 10 paddleboarders in one day

Ten paddleboarders caught in strong winds had to be rescued over the course of one afternoon by a lifeboat crew working off a Devon beach.

James Richards of Hope Cove Lifeboat said they were called to South Milton on Sunday, where they rescued a group of four paddleboarders, another group of two, as well as four individuals who were "struggling".

He said all were uninjured but many of those in difficulty had been "hanging on to the rocks", to prevent them from being carried out further to sea, when the crew reached them.

He added: "A few weeks ago we picked up two paddleboarders two miles out to sea with hypothermia - in these conditions it's very, very easy to find yourself in that situation."

Mr Richards said there had been a "strong offshore wind" on Sunday.

"People were paddling out, the wind on their backs, and when they turned around to paddle in again they simply couldn't there was that strong a wind."

People had called 999 after spotting the first two groups in difficulty, he added.

"Then there were four other individuals that we were concerned about who were clearly struggling on the water, we spoke to them before recovering them."

He said although high a number, these call-outs were not a record amount - having rescued 21 paddleboarders in one day during May half-term in 2024.

Mr Richards said when there was a strong offshore wind it could "feel lovely" on the beach - but conditions at sea could be very different.

"It's very difficult to paddle against it. Please check conditions beforehand."

Mr Richards explained people should also wear a life jacket and take a means of communication should they need to call for help.

He said Hope Cove was an independent life boat, not part of the RNLI - but that they worked closely with other agencies and on Sunday were supported on shore by the Kingsbridge Coastguard team.

The latest incidents followed a warning issued by the RNLI on Friday after "serious" back-to-back water rescues in south Devon.

These included kayakers rescued near Burgh Island and calls for help at the mouth of the River Avon.

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