RNLI rescues paddleboarders at Chalkwell

Three brave RNLI crew battled the strong offshore winds and large waves to rescue several female stand up paddleboarders who were struggling in the extreme conditions approximately half a mile off Chalkwell on Saturday afternoon, September 19.

The D class lifeboat and crew returned two of the rescued girls and their boards to the beach at Chalkwell Lifeguards Club HQ where the coastguard team carried out welfare checks and Chalkwell Lifeguard volunteers provided blankets and hot drinks for the girls to overcome the shock.

Offshore winds are very dangerous for all inflatable craft and it is advisable not to go afloat in such conditions.

If the red windsock is seen flying this indicates dangerous offshore winds at the beach and a warning not to go afloat.

The D class lifeboat and crew returned two of the rescued girls and their boards to the beach at Chalkwell Lifeguards Club HQ where the coastguard team carried out welfare checks and Chalkwell Lifeguard volunteers provided blankets and hot drinks for the girls to overcome the shock.

Offshore winds are very dangerous for all inflatable craft and it is advisable not to go afloat in such conditions.

If the red windsock is seen flying this indicates dangerous offshore winds at the beach and a warning not to go afloat.