LOOE RNLI has issued a safety warning to paddleboarders and kayakers after volunteers were called to rescue a kayaker being blown out to sea off Plaidy.

The warning comes after six of the lifeboat station’s recent call outs have involved paddleboarders or kayakers caught out in strong offshore winds.

Looe RNLI volunteers launched their D Class inshore lifeboat, Ollie Naismith II, at 6.22pm on Saturday (August 15) after Falmouth Coastguard Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre received a report of a kayaker in difficulties off Plaidy Beach.

The kayaker was being blown further out to sea by the wind.

The volunteer crew quickly reached the man and established he was uninjured before safely taking him back to shore, where he was reunited with his family. Before leaving the beach, the Looe crew offered safety advice about the dangers of heading out in offshore winds.

The RNLI and Paddle UK advise people never to launch paddleboards or other inflatable craft in offshore winds. Anyone who finds themselves unable to paddle back to shore is advised not to stand up on their board, as this can act like a sail and increase the effect of the wind.

Instead, paddlers should drop to their knees or lie flat on their stomachs. If they have enough energy, prone paddling using their arms can help them make progress against the wind while reducing their profile.

The RNLI also reminds water users to always wear a buoyancy aid, use a leash and carry a means of calling for help within easy reach. If you get into difficulty at sea, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

The incident was also the first operational shout for newly qualified Looe RNLI helm Rich Jones, who was congratulated by the station.