Looe RNLI launches after reports of child in water off Seaton beach

Two paddleboarders got into trouble off Seaton beach on Saturday morning, at an hour when the sand was busy but the lifeguards had not yet come on duty. By the time the lifeboat reached them, members of the public had already done the important part.

What happened

Launch pagers sounded at 9.10am on Saturday 11 July after Falmouth Coastguard Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre received reports of paddleboarders in difficulties off Seaton beach, with one child in the water.

Looe RNLI volunteers made their way to the lifeboat station and launched the charity’s relief Atlantic 85, B-946 Spirit of Cooperation. Crossing Looe bay, the crew arrived on scene eight minutes after launch to find both casualties had already been assisted ashore by members of the public who were on the beach.

Two crew members went ashore for a brief casualty care assessment. Both casualties were confirmed OK. The crew updated the coastguard, returned to the Atlantic 85 and the inshore lifeboat headed back to Looe for recovery.

The offshore wind risk at Seaton

Before leaving, the crew offered safety advice about offshore winds. The current easterly winds at Seaton beach are offshore, meaning they blow out to sea.

That matters more for paddleboards than almost any other craft. A board sits high on the water and catches the wind like a sail, so a breeze that feels gentle on the sand can carry someone away from shore faster than they can paddle back. It is one of the most common ways paddleboarders end up needing help, and it is easy to miss because the sea often looks calm when the wind is pushing off the land.

When the lifeguards are on duty

Seaton beach’s RNLI lifeguard patrol runs from 10am to 6pm daily through the summer months. Saturday’s call came at 9.10am, fifty minutes before cover began.

The RNLI advises people to be mindful and take extra care on the water whenever lifeguards are not on duty, or the beach is not lifeguarded at all.

📷Stock image of the charity’s relief Atlantic 85, B-946, Spirit of Cooperation leaving Looe - Credit: RNLI/Ian Foster