Over 70 delegates from a wide range of paddlesport based organisations and national bodies have attended the second Paddle UK safety conference at Eastwood Hall in Nottinghamshire.
Hosted by Paddle UK’s Director of Recreation and Development Lee Pooley, the day commenced with a moving tribute from Stewart McLean, who shared his story about his wife Julia, who lost her life whilst stand up paddleboarding on the River Spey in Scotland.
Sam Hughes, National Water Safety Partner from the RNLI provided new data from 2023 on the number of paddleboarding related call-outs, including the significance of offshore winds.
Data over the last five years has shown a slight drop in call outs of lifeguard and lifeboat incidents, but more types of craft are going out further.
Sam reinforced the importance of knowledge and education, and the RNLI’s support of the PaddleSafe campaign.
Sandy Drummond, Marketing Manager at Paddle UK, provided a detailed analysis of the #PaddleSafe campaign in 2023 and how feedback led to developing activity in 2024, to create five key messages:
- Always wear a buoyancy aid
- Tell someone where you’re going
- Carry a mobile phone
- Check the weather
- Know your limits
The #PaddleSafe campaign update is available HERE.
The afternoon session focused on research conducted by Dr Loel Collins from the University of Edinburgh, who provided an update on findings on the use of leashes in flowing water.
Focus groups discussed the latest findings, and Paddle UK will be developing further opportunities for consultation in the coming months, to consider how to further shape safety guidance.
Speaking at the Conference, Lee Pooley Director of Recreation and Development at Paddle UK said:
“It was fantastic to see so many stakeholders and partners come together with a shared purpose to improve paddlesport safety.
“The conference focused on exploring ways to reach and influence those heading out on the water, helping them make informed decisions and ultimately keeping them safe.
“Throughout the day, everyone contributed positively, strengthening our collective efforts to prevent future tragedies and incidents.”