ABERSOCH RNLI helped two paddleboarders in difficulty off the Llyn peninsula.

The crew was paged by the coastguard at 4.41pm on Wednesday, 1 September following reports of two paddleboarders in difficulty at Porth Neigwl.

The Peter and Ann Setten lifeboat launched at 4.51pm. However, it then stood down after the father of one of the casualties swam out to assist the paddleboarders.

The volunteer crew continued to the beach at Porth Neigwl to speak to the casualties, two female teenagers, and check no further assistance was required, before returning to the lifeboat station at 5.35pm.

The girls, who were both wearing wetsuits, had no means of calling for help and were not wearing lifejackets.

Andy Vowell, lifeboat operations manager, said: “We would always advise wearing a lifejacket whenever heading out onto the water as well as carrying a means of calling for help.

“With the sharp increase in the popularity of paddleboarding over the last two summers, and in an area where the beaches do not have the benefit of lifeguards, we have seen a rise in the number of callouts for the lifeboat.”

Volunteer helm, Andy Gunby, recently issued the following advice. “Here at Abersoch we want to make sure your paddleboard experience is one you will remember for all the right reasons by taking some steps to stay safe, such as wearing a suitable flotation device and leash and always carrying a means of calling for help such as a fully charged mobile phone in a waterproof pouch.

“Check the weather forecast and tides and if you are in any doubt then don’t go out and ensure someone knows you are going out.”