Port Erin RNLI responds to false alarm concerning paddleboarders

'The person ashore did the right thing in calling 999'

A false alarm concerning paddleboarders saw the crew from Port Erin RNLI called out last week.

On Wednesday evening (9 April) a member of the public called emergency services regarding two people they'd seen leave the bay on a paddleboard but not return within two hours.

In calm conditions, the volunteer lifeboat crew headed towards the Calf Sound, Spanish Head and Sugar Loaf at the Chasms, speaking to a number of people on the rocks and in kayaks on the water along their way.

None had seen the paddleboarders.

From the Chasms, the lifeboat headed towards the Calf of Man and searched along the coast - including Cow Harbour.

After 90-minutes searching, the crew spoke with HM Coastguard and Port Erin Lifeboat Station, and nothing else was reported regarding missing persons, so the search was called off.

The volunteer crew was made up of Tony Mitchell (Helm), Liam Farrer, Neil Kemp and Sam Kennaugh.

For Sam this was his first 'shout' since becoming a volunteer at Port Erin RNLI in August 2024, qualifying to go on shouts in November 2024.

Image: Volunteer Lifeboat Crew Member Sam Kennaugh - RNLI

Sam says: 'Although this was a false alarm and thankfully no one was in difficulty, it was great to put all my training into practice of getting ready at speed and launching the lifeboat alongside my fellow crew.

'We carried out a thorough search pattern before we were stood down – and any time out on the water in the lifeboat is such valuable experience. Paddleboards carrying more than the advisable weight and number of people can be unstable in the water, and currents in and around Port Erin Bay can be very strong.

'If you find yourself in difficulty in the water, please remember the Float to Live advice. Tilt your head back with your ears submerged. Relax and try to breathe normally, move your hands to help you stay afloat. It’s okay if your legs sink, we all float differently. Spread your arms and legs to improve stability and then try and call for help or raise the alarm if you are able to.

'The concerned person ashore did the right thing in calling 999, if you ever spot anyone in difficulty – call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.'