Three paddleboarders were rescued by lifeboat crews at a Co Down beach during high winds on Saturday afternoon.
The three people had been in the water at Ballyhornan beach when they got into difficulty.
Portaferry RNLI crews were first alerted to the incident at around 2.30pm after Belfast Coastguard received a call from the paddle boarders close to Guns Island.
Four lifeboat volunteers launched the Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat into force 6 and 7 winds to rescue the trio.
An update informed the crew that one casualty had now been carried ashore, and the remaining two were being taken in the direction of St. Patrick’s Rock, just outside of Strangford Lough
Both paddle boarders were brought onboard the lifeboat and medical assessments were carried out on the journey back to Strangford where they were handed over to the waiting Coastguard team.
Helm Scott Blackwood said afterwards: “When these paddle boarders went into the water, they were in a bay sheltered from the off shore westerly wind, but we would remind everyone to check the weather before committing to the water.
‘We found the casualties holding on to each other, and still on their boards. This was the correct thing to do. They also had a means to call for help when they realised the strength of the offshore wind.
‘We were tasked today along with two Coastguard teams as well as Newcastle and Donaghadee all weather lifeboats, and Coastguard helicopter Rescue 936 from Caernarfon in Wales was close by as we pulled the two casualties onto the lifeboat.
“Those people, and their shore crews, all answered a call for help today and will remain prepared to help those in danger over the coming festive period.
“We urge everyone to check weather and tide times if the plan to spend time close to, or on the water. If venturing out onto the water always wear a lifejacket or suitable personal flotation device for your activity and always carry a means of calling for help.”
