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'No experience whatsoever' paddleboard warning

David MckennaEast Yorkshire and Lincolnshire
RNLI/Chrys Mellor Close up shot of a lifeboat and its crew. The boat is bright orange and there are four crew members on board, wearing yellow overalls, lifejackets and white helmets.RNLI/Chrys Mellor
Flamborough RNLI were called out to several incidents over the weekend

The RNLI is warning of the risks of paddleboarding at sea after a number of people, including children, got into difficulty off the coast of East Yorkshire.

Flamborough RNLI said volunteer crews responded to several separate incidents between Friday and Sunday.

Lifeboat operations manager in Flamborough, David Freeman, said: "They come down to the beach with a paddleboard and have no experience whatsoever.

"They jump on it and paddle off and then can't get back again because they haven't thought about any winds, currents, tides or anything."

Freeman added: "With a flood spring tide, as it's been this last weekend, they've got no chance of paddling back against it. It's very, very strong."

Crews were called out over the weekend to four paddleboarders in difficulty, a kayaker who had entered the water and was unable to get back on to his kayak, and three paddleboarders who were struggling with the conditions.

Freeman also urged dog owners to keep their pets on leads while walking near the cliff tops, after a dog died after falling over the cliffs.

A view of the River Humber taken from inside the lifeboat station at Hessle Foreshore. There is a tractor in the shed. A forecourt outside has yellow criss-cross lines painted over it.
Humber Rescue said two vehicles were parked in its emergency access area at the weekend

Meanwhile, Humber Rescue issued a warning about inconsiderate parking.

In a social media post at the weekend, officials said two vehicles were parked in its emergency access area.

A spokesperson said: "The markings and signage are there for one reason, to ensure our crew can launch without delay when someone needs us.

"On more than one occasion, a rapid launch and response has genuinely meant the difference between life and death."

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