A Coastguard Rescue Team attended an emergency call after a member of the public became concerned for the welfare of two surfers.

Millom Coastguard were paged to the Duddon Estuary between Hodbarrow Point and Askam yesterday (October 6).

When they arrived the Kite Surfer And Windsurfer did not seem to be in any apparent distress so the team used binoculars to observe the surfers until they were seen to be making their way back toward the beach at Askam.

A spokesperson for Millom Coastguard Rescue Team said: “All credit to the first informant who had seen something which appeared out of the ordinary and reported it. We would rather be called out to check things rather than things escalating later.”

HM Coastguard advises surfers to:

  • Abandon their surfboard if ever any trouble and to wave their hand and shout for help
  • Always wear a leash
  • Always surf with others
  • Assess the weather conditions beforehand
  • Ensure equipment is in good condition
  • Have consideration for other water users
  • Never surf immediately after eating a meal
  • Never mix surfing with alcohol or other drugs