A paddleboarder who almost got swept out to sea on what seemed to be a calm day has thanked the lifeboat crew who rescued him.
Jake Patten, 29, and his friend took out his new board after work on Monday, June 22 – and soon realised they were drifting away from Brighton beach.
Despite their best efforts, they couldn’t make it back to sure, but thanks to the mobile phone in Jake’s waterproof shoulder bag, he was able to call the RNLI.
He said: “We joked at first that we were going to end up in France, but then we realised we were getting further and further out.
“I was spinning around in circles and not making any progress. I stayed calm, but my friend was really scared.
“I always carry my phone with me when I paddleboard and I’m so glad I did. When I saw the lifeboat coming, I held my paddle up so they could spot us.
“The crew were so friendly. I’d like to say thank you so much to everyone who rescued us.”
It took just 20 minutes from Jake’s call for the lifeboat crew to reach him.
Although Jake had previous experience canoeing, hHe had only been paddleboarding for a few weeks and had been out on his new board seven or eight times before the incident.
Phil Jones, volunteer helm at Brighton RNLI, said: “Paddleboarding is a fantastic way to enjoy the coast, but even on warm, sunny days conditions can change quickly.
“Offshore winds and tidal currents can carry paddleboarders away from the shore before they realise what’s happening.
“We always encourage people to check the weather and tide before heading out, 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, and if possible paddle with others and let someone know your plans.
“If you do find yourself in difficulty, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard as soon as possible.
“We’re so glad we were able to get to Jake and his friend and that he is now safely enjoying the rest of his summer.”
Brighton RNLI is encouraging anyone planning to go paddleboarding this summer to:
- Check the weather, wind direction and tide times before launching.
- Avoid offshore winds, which can quickly carry you away from the beach.
- Always wear a buoyancy aid or personal flotation device.
- Carry a means of calling for help, such as a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch.
- Wear suitable clothing for the water temperature, not just the air temperature.
- Paddle with others where possible and tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.
- If you get into difficulty, stay with your board if it is safe to do so and call 999 and ask for the coastguard.
