Two paddleboarders were rescued off the Waterford coast after becoming stranded by an offshore wind while paddling in Tramore Bay on Monday evening.
The pair got into difficulty west of Great Newtown Head when a strengthening north-easterly breeze prevented them from making progress back towards shore.
Fortunately, both were carrying safety equipment. Wearing lifejackets and with a mobile phone stored in a waterproof pouch, they were able to call the Irish Coast Guard for assistance after sheltering from the wind rather than continuing to paddle.
Tramore RNLI's inshore lifeboat, which was already afloat on a training exercise elsewhere in the bay, was tasked at 7.55pm and quickly reached the scene.
The lifeboat crew brought both paddleboarders and their boards safely aboard before returning them to shore. Although tired from the effort, neither required medical treatment.
The incident highlights one of the principal hazards facing paddleboarders and other small craft users during the summer months. Even moderate offshore winds can quickly carry boards away from the shoreline, making a return paddle difficult or impossible.
Speaking after the rescue, RNLI helm Fergal McGrath praised the pair's actions.
"The paddleboarders made the right decision when they realised they couldn't make progress against the wind. Conditions were challenging at the time. They sought shelter and called for help before they became cold and exhausted."
The RNLI reminds paddleboarders to check the forecast before launching, avoid offshore winds where possible, wear a suitable buoyancy aid or lifejacket, carry a means of calling for help and let someone ashore know their plans.
