Paddle boarder sparks rescue alert at Sandend

LOCAL maritime rescue teams had a busy Sunday when they were called out twice.

Coastguard rescue teams from Buckie and Portsoy, along with the Buckie RNLI lifeboat and a Coastguard rescue helicopter from Inverness rushed to Sandend after reports of a child being swept out to sea on a paddle board, battling against a strong offshore wind and an outgoing tide.

Fortunately, a local speed boat was able to rescue the paddle boarder and deliver them back to shore where they were assessed as being safe and well.

While paddle boarding is becoming very popular around the coast and is an easy way to get onto the water and help improve fitness, it does come with some dangers.

The Coastguard have issued some tips to help keep paddle boarders safe:

• Always attach the leash and hold onto your board if you get into trouble.
• Carry a means of calling for help and keep it on your person, you need to to able to reach it easily in an emergency.
• Tell someone where you are going and when you will be back, they can raise the alarm if you are overdue.
• Tides and weather forecasts. Don't be caught out by the conditions and avoid offshore winds because they will tire you quickly when trying to get back to shore.
• Always were a personal floatation device (PFD) and ensure you have suitable clothing for the conditions.
• Always try and paddle with a friend, they can help you in an emergency.

There was another callout for the Coastguard and RNLI at Cullen beach – unrelated to the Sandend incident – which was later deemed a false alarm with good intent.

In a coastal emergency, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.