Stand up paddle (SUP) boards resemble surfboards but are considerably larger and thicker and, as their name suggests, are mainly propelled by paddling.

A recent rescue reported by Eesti Ekspress highlighted how changing conditions and missing safety equipment can quickly turn a normal SUP outing into a dangerous situation.

"People underestimate the risks. A SUP board seems like something very safe on the water, and people do not deploy enough safety equipment. A life jacket must be worn properly, otherwise it is no use, while the leash attached to the SUP board must be fastened to your leg," Rebecca Charlotte Rebane from the Rescue Board's (Päästeamet) Northern Rescue Center told Vikerraadio.

Rescuers also get callouts to cases where various other types of flotation devices, such as inflatable mattresses, sometimes called lilos, or even powered vessels, have drifted beyond what might be considered a safe distance from the shore. "Inflatable mattresses and pink flamingos, which people use to take fun pictures, are also popular. People do not realize the risks. Engine failures on boats and jet skis are also common," Rebane said.

The recent incident, which involved children, has highlighted the responsibility of parents, particularly in today's world, where people tend to have their heads buried in their phones. In fact, on this latter point, Rebane said, it seems to be more the case of children having to be responsible for their parents.

"Unfortunately, what I have noticed at the beach is that people go there with their children and then think, 'Now I can relax for a moment,' then pick up their phones. A minute or two is enough for the situation to become very dangerous. I have told my children that when we go to the beach together, they should make sure Mom is not on her phone. They are very good about that," Rebane added.

In the incident reported by Eesti Ekspress, three children drifted up to 400 meters offshore on a SUP board at Vainupea beach in Lääne-Viru County after strong winds carried them away. The children's mother and another woman were unable to reach them after swimming into the sea and had to call emergency services. The board later capsized, pitching everyone into the water before nearby kayakers, while a motorboat rescued the children and one of the adults. While the episode did not end in tragedy or even injury, rescue officials said the lack of life jackets, a safety leash, and a fin increased the danger and made the case a time-critical rescue.

If you witness people getting into difficulty on SUP boards or similar, and drifting offshore, the Rescue Board says you should:

• Call the emergency number, 112, immediately.
• Keep the individual(s) in sight at all times while waiting for rescuers to arrive.
• If possible, get another person to meet emergency responders and direct them to the location.
• Only attempt your own rescue if it is safe to do so, preferably wearing a life jacket, and avoid swimming long distances, particularly if you do not have a flotation device.

If you find yourself getting into difficulty on a SUP board, stay on or with the board and do not attempt to swim for shore. Sitting or kneeling on the board to keep your center of gravity low will improve stability.

When going SUP boarding, always use appropriate safety equipment, including life jackets and a safety leash. Remember, rescuers often also put themselves at risk when responding to callouts.

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