22/07/2025
Good advice for Paddle Boarders
What started as a relaxed evening paddle quickly turned into a life-threatening situation for Eve and her friends off the coast of Catterline Bay in Scotland.
The group set out just after 7pm to make the most of the warm weather and calm-looking seas, but as the light faded, the waves became stronger and carried them further from shore.
One friend who was less experienced and out on the water without a wetsuit or a personal flotation device (PFD), had started to panic as she noticed herself drifting away from the group.
Cold, tired, and scared, Eve reached for her waterproof phone pouch and used her mobile phone to call the Coastguard.
HM Coastguard operations room staff dispatched RNLI lifeboats from Montrose and Stonehaven within moments, who raced to the scene and brought all four safely ashore.
Eve is hesitant to head back out on the water following the incident but her message is clear: if you can afford a paddleboard, you can afford a waterproof phone case.
If you're planning a paddleboarding trip, reduce the risks further with these safety tips:
β’ Always check the weather and tide times π¦οΈβ
β’ Wear a suitable wetsuit and personal flotation device π¦Ίβ
β’ Carry a means of calling for help π±β
If you get into trouble at the coast or at sea, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
Photo: RNLI