10th October 2021. Last week, the volunteers of the National Coastwatch Institution station at Nell's Point on Barry Island observed 2 paddle boarders in apparent difficulties.

Both persons were in the water and being swept out to sea, beyond Friars Point, a local headland, as they appeared to be unable to get back on their boards. The watchkeepers contacted HM Coastguard and were asked to maintain observation while the Coastguard tasked Barry CRT and Barry Dock lifeboat to the scene. Barry Dock Inshore Lifeboat was launched and proceeded to the casualties, guided by the Barry CRT.

Both paddleboarders were taken on board the lifeboat and returned to the waiting CRT on Whitmore Bay beach, exhausted but otherwise uninjured. The ILB later returned to the scene to recover their paddleboards.

His was a perfect example of the importance of the NCI providing the Eyes along the Coast by Nell's Point.