North Berwick, United Kingdom - August 21, 2024

On the afternoon of August 21, 2024, the North Berwick RNLI crew sprang into action following multiple 999 calls reporting individuals in distress on stand-up paddleboards. The incident occurred around 4:32 PM when strong offshore winds, gusting up to 35 knots, swept a group of three children out to sea.

The children, initially paddleboarding close to the shore, found themselves rapidly carried away by the wind. In a bid to rescue them, two adults attempted to reach the children, one swimming and another using a paddleboard. However, the conditions proved challenging, leading to a critical situation that required immediate intervention.

The RNLI's D-class lifeboat, SUNIJO, launched just minutes after the first distress call and arrived at the scene within six minutes. Upon reaching the group, the crew found one child and two adults clinging to a single paddleboard, approximately 800 meters from their starting point. Meanwhile, the other two children had managed to reach the shore on their own.

The lifeboat swiftly brought the three individuals on board and transported them back to the lifeboat station. There, they were met by the Scottish Ambulance Service for medical checks. Additionally, the North Berwick Coastguard Rescue Team assisted by bringing the other two children to the station, where all were monitored in a warm environment until they were deemed safe to leave.

Fraser Fulton, Helm of the North Berwick lifeboat, commented on the incident, "This was a very serious situation, thankfully with a positive outcome. Offshore winds can be deceiving and can very quickly take you away from safety." He emphasized the dangers of the cold water around North Berwick, which can lead to hypothermia and loss of coordination, significantly increasing the risk in such scenarios.

Fulton offered advice for paddleboarders: "If you’re heading out on the water on a paddleboard, check the forecast and avoid offshore winds. Always wear a buoyancy aid, carry a waterproofed means of calling for help, and wear your leash. A paddleboard is much easier to spot and can help you stay afloat, so stay with it."

He concluded by thanking the public for their quick response in alerting the authorities, which facilitated a rapid rescue operation. "In any coastal emergency, dial 999 and ask for the coastguard," Fulton advised, highlighting the importance of immediate action in such critical situations.