Did you know?

• Over 7.5 million adults participated in paddlesport activities in 2022
• The popularity of stand up paddleboarding continues to increase with over 3 million adults taking part at least 1-2 times in 2022 across the UK
• RNLI lifeguards saw a 101% rise in incidents to kayaks/canoes and a 155% rise in incidents to stand-up paddleboarders in 2022 compared with 2021
• In 2022 RNLI lifeboat volunteers saw a 20% increase in call outs to stand-up paddleboarders
• From 2018-2022 RNLI lifeboat volunteers have saved the lives of 167 people who were kayaking, canoeing or stand up paddleboarding, with 56 (34%) of those lives saved in 2022

The campaign aims to raise awareness of how to stay safe on the water when planning to stand up paddleboard, kayak or canoe on any type of water - whether at the coast or inland. 

The five key messages are: 

• Wear a buoyancy aid / personal floatation device no matter how strong you think you are at swimming. 
• Carry a means of communication on you. If you become separated from your craft, this is when you may need to call for assistance. 
• Check the weather so that you can wear the right clothing and spot any weather that is dangerous to paddle in.
• Tell others of your plans so they know when you will be returning.
• Paddle within your ability and if you need to, take courses to help level up your skills.