Two men on a deflating dinghy near Pendine were rescued by Tenby RNLI on Wednesday evening, highlighting the importance of safety at sea.

Tenby RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat was launched at 6.20pm on Wednesday, May 27, after the Coastguard took a 999 call from two men on an inflatable dinghy, reporting that they were being blown offshore from Pendine and that their dinghy was deflating.

On scene just 12 minutes later, the volunteer crew spotted the dinghy after a brief search and went alongside.The relieved occupants, along with their deflating dinghy, were taken aboard, where they were checked over and apart from being a little cold, were none the worse for their ordeal.

As the lifeboat was preparing to take the casualties and their vessel back to Pendine, the crew spotted a kayaker waving a paddle at them a short distance away and whilst approaching the paddleboarder, they noticed that there was also someone in the water hanging onto the board.

The two people were taken aboard, along with the paddleboard, where they told the crew that they had been in difficulty for some time.

With all casualties now safe and well aboard the lifeboat and nobody else in difficulty, they were taken back to Pendine, where the Y-boat was used to take them ashore.

The lifeboat was then stood down to return to station.

Rescues like these highlight the need to always be prepared when going out on the sea.

The weather can change quickly and following a few simple safety tips will help to make sure you are prepared.

Advice for Staying Safe...

• Life jackets or buoyancy aids should be worn by everyone when boating, paddleboarding, or using personal watercraft.

• Means of Communication: Always carry a waterproof means of calling for help, such as a VHF radio or a mobile phone in a dry pouch.

• Float to Live: If you unexpectedly fall into the water and are struggling, float to live. Tilt your head back, move your hands and legs and relax to control your breathing