Mudeford RNLI issues tide and wind warning after paddle boarders caught out while heading from Milford to Isle of Wight

PADDLE boarders were warned of the dangers of sailing away from shore after a pair drifted off course while heading from Milford to the Isle of Wight.

Mudeford RNLI issued the notice about challenges posed by tide and wind conditions following the incident that took place around 1.45pm on 21st May.

An eagle-eyed observer had raised the alarm, reporting that a kite surfer was half a mile offshore near Milford.

Responding to the incident, monitored by National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) Needles, the lifeboat crew found two paddle boarders heading for the island.

A Mudeford RNLI Facebook post afterwards said: “Although confident paddle boarders, neither were aware of the tide and wind direction which was taking them off course.”

Following discussion with the lifeboat crew, the casualties decided they would return to Hurst Spit.

The NCI continued to monitor them until they reached the shore as the lifeboat returned to Mudeford Quay around 2.40pm.

Launch authority Graeme Staddon praised the observer, the lifeboat crew and the NCI team for helping avoid a “potentially dangerous situation”.

“The incident highlights the dangers of paddle boarding away from shore,” he said.

“Wind and tides can have a dramatic impact even if conditions appear calm.”

He added: “It is also essential that life jackets are always worn when out on the water.”