Barry Dock RNLI launched its D-class lifeboat on Saturday, July 11, after the group became trapped in a strong ebbing tide and lost one of their paddles, leaving them unable to make progress.
One of the paddleboarders managed to contact HM Coastguard for assistance.
RNLI lifeguards helped one person ashore using a rescue jet ski, while the lifeboat crew recovered the other two paddleboarders and took them safely into the Old Harbour.
A spokesperson for Barry Dock RNLI said: “Our D class lifeboat launched on Saturday, July 11 after three paddleboarders got into difficulty off Cold Knap Point.
“The group had become caught in the strong ebbing tide and, after losing one of their paddles, were unable to make any progress against the current.
“One of the paddleboarders called HM Coastguard for help.
“With our all-weather lifeboat returning from the Weston-super-Mare Lifeboat Open Day, HM Coastguard requested the D class launch to reach the casualties as quickly as possible.
“Our RNLI Lifeguards assisted one paddleboarder ashore on their rescue watercraft (jet ski) while our crew recovered the remaining two just off Cold Knap Point, before taking them safely into the Old Harbour”.
The D-class lifeboat was crewed by Marc, Gaz, and Kris, and the incident served as a timely reminder of how strong the tidal currents can be.
The spokesperson said: “The incident is a timely reminder that strong tidal currents can quickly overwhelm even experienced paddleboarders.
“Always check the conditions – it was pretty windy on the weekend – before heading out, carry the right equipment and, if you get into difficulty, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”
Anyone who finds themselves in difficulty is being reminded to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
