Paddle boarders rescued after getting into difficulty in sea off Llandudno

A group of paddle boarders were rescued after getting into difficulty in the water off the coast of Llandudno this weekend.

The RNLI inshore lifeboat was launched at around 1.30pm on Sunday afternoon after an eagle-eyed team member spotted they were in danger within a mile of the lifeboat station.

A volunteer crew of three went to the assistance of the paddle boarders after strong offshore winds and tides pushed their boards out to sea, making it difficult to return to shore.

One of the group did manage to paddle back to shore, whilst three others made it to rocks at the base of the Little Orme where they waited for rescue.

After rescuing them, the lifeboat crew took them back to the station, placing them in the care of other waiting team members.

The lifeboat crew then went back out to sea to retrieve their boards and abandoned equipment, which had  drifted almost half a mile to the east from where the casualties were picked up.

RNLI Deputy Launch Authority Dan Jones MBE said: “This was a good and swift operation; we were able to successfully carry out our rescue whilst also following the strict procedures we have put in place throughout the Covid 19 situation.

“It was a good outcome to get the casualties back to the safety of the beach unharmed.”

The RNLI has provided safety guidance giving simple tips for paddle boarders.

The advice includes avoiding offshore winds, which can quickly blow a paddle board far out to sea, making it extremely tiring and difficult to get back to shore.