Incident

Paddle boarders urged to follow safety advice

Stand up paddle boarders are being urged to check the local conditions and ensure they know what to do if they run into problems following an incident in Mistley this morning.

Four of our fire and rescue crews and our colleagues from the Coastguard were called to help two paddle boarders who thought they had got stuck in the mud near The Walls. 

With support and advice from the Coastguard they managed to get themselves to the slipway without having to be rescued.

Station Manager Ryan Ainger said: “Luckily we didn’t have to carry out a rescue, but we’d like to use this incident as an opportunity to remind people that if they are going out on the water make sure they know the conditions, check tide times and know what they need to do to keep safe.”

Closed
Person rescue
Incident number
177779
Attending station
Clacton
Colchester
Urban Search And Rescue
Location
The Walls, Mistley
Date
8.01am - 03 December 2022

Here is some great advice from one of our own stand up paddle boarding enthusiasts, Station Manager Nick Singleton.

Nick says: 

“Stand-up paddle boarding and other water sports are a great way to enjoy the great outdoors. While we want people to enjoy these activities, water safety should be on your mind at all times.

  • We recommend that you wear a buoyancy aid, even if you’re a competent swimmer. 
  • Always check the conditions before you head out and always make sure that you have a leash that fits the paddle board for the conditions. If conditions do change while you’re out, then always head back to the shore. 
  • It’s advised that you take a phone in a waterproof case and always tell someone where you’re going and how long you’ll be if you’re on your own.  
  • Before heading out, make sure your phone is fully charged in case you need to call for help. I would also advise you to download a free smartphone app called what3words which can accurately describe your location if you don’t know where you are. It works without signal and emergency services across the world use it. 
  • If you fall into the water, cold water shock can cause you to panic but these effects will pass in a less than a minute, try to relax and float on your back while you catch your breath and if you can, grab hold of something to help you float.  
  • Stay calm, call for help and swim to safety if you can.” 

For more water safety advice, visit: essex-fire.gov.uk/water