VOLUNTEERS from Teignmouth RNLI went out to help to help three paddleboarders thought to be in trouble last night.

The alarm was raised when onlookers saw the paddleboarders appear to be in difficulty near the mouth of the River Teign.

The Teignmouth lifeboat team were alerted by Solent Coastguards to find and help the trio following the 999 call from a concerned witness.

Arriving on the scene just after 5pm, the crew found the three people.

The paddleboarders had managed to recover themselves and their board and had made it back to shore safely.

Two of the crew from the Atlantic 85 Class lifeboat the Two Annes went ashore to make shore the people were those who had been in difficulty and gave safety advive for their next trip.

A Teignmouth RNLI lifeboat spokesman said the River Teign is popular for paddleboarders and the crew has had several call outs to incidents of this kind over the summer. They said: ‘The River Teign has a fast-flowing current, and conditions near the mouth of the river can become dangerous.

‘The RNLI recommends that all people paddleboarding should take their time to research the most appropriate leash, and to wear a suitable personal flotation device such as a buoyancy aid or lifejacket. ‘If you can, always paddleboard with friend and take a phone in a waterproof pouch to allow you to call for help if needed, if heading out alone ensure you tell someone where you are going and what time you will be back.’