Paddle boarders rescued by marine police

(CNS): Police are urging everyone who goes out on the water to ensure that they have some means of communication, after they rescued two stranded paddle-boarders last week with the help of their mobile phone. Just after 7:00pm last Thursday the 911 Communications Centre received a call  from two people who were on one paddle-board and in distress in the water off West Bay Public Beach, drifting out to sea and having difficulties returning to shore. Officers from the RCIPS Joint Marine Unit were deployed to assist in the M/V Typhoon. 

The people on the paddle-board were able to communicate with officers via mobile phone and were instructed to turn on its flashlight to help the JMU officers find them. On this occasion all ended happily, as they were located by the marine police and transported safely to shore, but Acting Superintendent Brad Ebanks urged people to think about safety when venturing out on the water.

“This incident shows how easily one can get into a dangerous situation while participating in water-related activities, even something like paddle boarding,” he said “That’s why it is always advisable to carry some means of communication with you as this is one of the tools that will help ensure your safety.”