Mum rescued after drifting out to sea while paddleboarding with teens near Seamill

A family of paddleboarders were saved by lifeboat crews after being blown out to sea in North Ayrshire.

Largs RNLI crews were paged around 1.26pm on Wednesday, April 22, after HM Coastguard crews requested assistance with three paddleboarders blown offshore near Seamill.

As the lifeboat passed Portencross, the volunteer crew quickly located two of the three paddleboarders who were in difficulty.

The first two casualties were teenagers, and as they were brought onto the lifeboat, they explained they had become separated from their mum, who was still missing at sea.

Volunteers made the quick decision to leave the teenagers’ paddleboards adrift in the water so they could continue searching for their mother.

As concerns grew for the teens’ mum, Largs RNLI lifeboat requested Troon RNLI to assist with the search.

Working closely with the Coastguard rescue team on the shore, Largs lifeboat was directed toward the location of the third casualty.

The volunteer lifeboat crew were then able to bring her safely onto the Largs lifeboat to join her children.

HM Coastguard stood down Troon RNLI, who were in the process of launching their lifeboat.

Largs lifeboat then proceeded to Ardrossan Marina with the mum and her two teenagers, where they were met by the local Coastguard Rescue Team.

The teenagers were also reunited with their dad.

Following the callout, RNLI crews have warned paddleboarders to ensure they are fully equipped when heading out onto the water.

Andrew Malone, helm of Largs RNLI lifeboat, said: “Paddleboarding is an activity which can be great fun when done safely.

‘We would encourage people to ensure they wear an appropriate buoyancy aid and carry a means of calling for help, such as a mobile phone in a waterproof case.

“You should always check the weather forecast and tide conditions before you set out. Offshore winds can quickly sweep you out to sea and we would always advise against entering the water in these conditions.

‘If you do find yourself in difficulties, you should dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”