Paddleboarders rescued off Portreath after multiple 999 calls

You can be paddleboarding in flat, sunny conditions and still end up a long way from shore before you have a chance to react. Offshore winds and tidal currents do it quietly, and that is what unfolded outside Portreath Harbour this afternoon when a group of paddleboarders got into difficulty and 999 calls started coming in.

What happened outside Portreath Harbour

At around 4pm, Portreath Coastguard Rescue Team was tasked after multiple 999 reports of between two and four paddleboarders in difficulty outside the harbour. The team responded straight away and was quickly on scene alongside RNLI lifeboats from St Agnes and St Ives.

As those resources were arriving, one member of the group managed to alert the lifeguards. They were able to assist all of the casualties safely back to the beach.

Once the coastguard team had gathered the details and confirmed they matched the 999 calls, all responding assets were stood down. Some safety advice was passed on to those involved before the team returned to station at 4.50pm.

What to do before you head out on a paddleboard

The coastguard shared a set of reminders for anyone planning to get on the water. Run through these before you go:

• Check the weather, tide times and sea conditions.
• Wear a suitable buoyancy aid or personal flotation device.
• Carry a means of calling for help, such as a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch.
• Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back.
• Avoid going out alone and stay within your capabilities.
• Remember that offshore winds and tidal currents can carry you away from shore fast.

In an emergency on the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.