TWO paddleboarders avoided a “dangerous situation” after being dragged by the tide thanks to an eagle-eyed beachgoer.

Mudeford Lifeboat launched after an observer on the beach raised the alarm to a situation around half a mile offshore near Milford on Sea.

Upon arrival at the scene, the lifeboat crew found two paddle boarders who were heading for the Isle of Wight. Although confident, they were unaware of the tide and wind direction which was taking them off course.

After discussion with the lifeboat crew, the casualties made the decision to return to Hurst Spit. The lifeboat returned to Mudeford Quay at 2.41pm. The National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) continued to monitor the paddle boarders’ progress until they reached land.

Following the incident on the afternoon of May 21, launch authority Graeme Staddon said: “Thanks to the quick actions of the observer, the NCI Needles team and the Mudeford Lifeboat crew, a potentially dangerous situation was avoided.

“The incident highlights the dangers of paddle boarding away from shore. Wind and tides can have a dramatic impact even if conditions appear calm. It is also essential that life jackets are always worn when out on the water.”