Paddleboarders, kayakers and canoeists can find out how to stay safe on the water at two events on Seaton Beach this month.

The Axe Vale Canoe Club will have a stand near the Spot On Cafe on Sunday, August 11 and Sunday 18  between 10am and 2pm, staffed by coaches from the club and volunteers from Lyme Regis RNLI.

They will be spreading the word about the Paddlesafe campaign by Paddle UK and the RNLI, which has five key messages for all paddlers.

They are: 

• Always wear a buoyancy aid.
• Tell someone where you’re going.
• Carry a mobile phone.
• Check the weather.
• Know your limits. 

Between 2012 and 2021 the RNLI saved the lives of 300 paddleboarders, kayakers or canoers and helped more than 6,300 who got into difficulty. According to Paddle UK, previously named British Canoeing, 2023 saw 155 lifeboat launches for stand-up paddleboarders, with nearly half due to paddlers having been blown or swept out to sea by offshore winds and tides. 

More information about the Paddlesafe campaign can be found at www.paddleuk.org.uk