RNLI Lifeboats Launched to Paddlesport Rescues Almost Daily Last August

Boating News | June 2025

Lifeboat Rescues Surge as Paddle Sports Grow in Popularity

The RNLI and Paddle UK are calling for greater paddlesport safety awareness as new data reveals that lifeboat crews were launched to paddlers an average of nearly three times per day during August 2024. In that month alone, there were 92 RNLI lifeboat launches involving kayakers, canoeists, and paddleboarders—the busiest period on record for such incidents.

In addition, RNLI lifeguards responded to 268 paddlesport-related rescues across 240 UK and Irish beaches. Over the full year, lifeboat crews launched to 301 paddling incidents, and lifeguards dealt with 540 more, with paddleboarding accounting for the majority.

A Survivor’s Story Highlights the Risks

Among those rescued was Mark Parker, a retired company director from Anglesey. While paddleboarding with his daughter off Benllech in July 2023, Mark was swept out by the wind and tide and struggled to return to shore.

“I could see the waves getting bigger and just thought, ‘I’m not going to get out of this,’” he said. Fortunately, his wife called 999 and the Moelfre RNLI crew reached him in time. Mark credits the RNLI with saving his life and has since become a volunteer water safety advisor at the lifeboat station.

Stay Safe with #PaddleSafe Advice

With paddlesport participation rising, the RNLI and Paddle UK are ramping up their #PaddleSafe campaign to ensure people are better prepared. Worryingly, in 2023, nearly 1 in 10 paddlers admitted to taking no safety precautions.

Key safety tips include:

• Always wear a buoyancy aid
• Carry a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch
• Tell someone your plans
• Check the weather and wind conditions
• Know your personal limits

RNLI’s Sam Hughes warns that offshore winds and rip currents are among the most common dangers. Paddle UK’s Lee Pooley encourages everyone to access free online safety learning to help reduce the risk.

For more information on staying safe during paddlesports, visit: www.rnli.org/safety/choose-your-activity

Footage of Mark Parker’s rescue:

VIDEO & PHOTO CREDIT: RNLI/Moelfre