Volunteer crews from Barry Dock RNLI launched their D‑class lifeboat on Saturday after three paddleboarders were swept into difficulty by powerful tidal currents off Cold Knap Point.
The group had been paddling during windy conditions when they were caught in the strong ebbing tide. After losing one of their paddles, they were unable to make headway against the current. One of the paddleboarders phoned HM Coastguard to raise the alarm.
With the station’s all‑weather lifeboat still returning from the Weston‑super‑Mare Lifeboat Open Day, Coastguard teams requested an immediate launch of the smaller D‑class lifeboat to reach the casualties as quickly as possible.
RNLI lifeguards assisted one of the paddleboarders ashore using their rescue watercraft, while the lifeboat crew located the remaining two just off Cold Knap Point. They were brought safely aboard and taken into the Old Harbour.
The D‑class lifeboat was helmed by Marc, with crew members Gaz and Kris onboard.
The RNLI said the incident highlights how quickly tidal currents can overpower even confident paddleboarders. They are urging anyone heading out on the water to check conditions carefully, carry appropriate equipment, and call 999 and ask for the Coastguard if they find themselves in difficulty.

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