Two paddle boarders were lucky to survive after being blown a mile out to sea – and were only spotted by chance on CCTV.
The pair, huddled together on the same board, frantically waved to shore for help as offshore winds swept them further and further out.
Luckily, a sharp-eyed member of the National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) spotted them while monitoring a remote camera.
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The duo were then rescued by a lifeboat.
The dramatic rescue happened off Ogmore Beach near Porthcawl, Wales, according to Need To Know.
A Maritime and Coastguard Agency spokesperson said: “Two people on a paddleboard were swept out to sea by offshore winds over the weekend, while enjoying an evening at Ogmore Beach in South Wales.
“Incredibly, the pair were spotted waving for help by watchkeepers at the nearby National Coastwatch Institution lookout station in Porthcawl, during a routine scan using the station’s remote CCTV system.
HM Coastguard staff at the operations room in Milford Haven were alerted immediately and deployed the Porthcawl RNLI Lifeboat and Llantwit Major Coastguard, who then rescued the casualties and provided casualty care back on shore.
“Offshore winds are exceptionally dangerous as they can blow you far out to sea in a short space of time.
“Paddling against an offshore wind can leave even the most experienced feeling exhausted. Check the conditions before heading out on the water.
“Vitally, remember to always carry a mobile phone with you in a waterproof pouch.
“In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”
An NCI spokesperson added: “On Sunday evening, watchkeepers Judith and Richard were on duty at Porthcawl, carrying out a routine scan using the station’s remote CCTV system, when they picked up on two persons on a paddleboard waving for help offshore at Ogmore by Sea, caught in the offshore winds.
“They immediately contacted the Marine Rescue Coordination Centre at Milford Haven, who paged the Porthcawl RNLI Lifeboat and Llantwit Major Coastguard.
“The lifeboat was launched, and the two persons were safely brought ashore, to be met by the coastguard to assist and check all was well.
“Well done to the RNLI and Coastguard. Also, well done to the NCI watchkeepers.
“It wasn’t easy to spot, as the sun was shining directly up the channel, making it difficult to see.
“Good job all round.”
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