Two paddleboarders and their dog rescued after getting trapped at sea in Mazarron

Emergency services in the Costa Calida town of Mazarron were quick on their feet to help rescue two paddleboarders, as well as their dog, and bring them safely back to shore after they were caught out at sea off the Playa del Mojon. The incident unfolded on Tuesday, June 16.

Two paddlesurfers and their furry friend, trapped at sea

The two paddleboarders, a 23-year-old man and a 22-year-old woman, along with their dog, were enjoying a leisurely afternoon of sport when they suddenly began to struggle to return to land after the sea conditions became difficult. According to 112 emergency services, the Cartagena Maritime Coordination Centre first received the alert at around 6:43pm, before swiftly passing the information to the Emergency Coordination Centre of the Region of Murcia. This centre then activated a Cartagena Civil Protection jet ski, with a skipper and rescuer on board, from the San Gines beach in La Azohia, located in Cartagena, which was the closest beach to the location indicated by those affected.

Once the paddleboarders and their furry friend were located, the team confirmed that none of them required medical assistance before they were safely towed back to Playa del Corral, located in Cartagena.

Paddleboarding: Increasingly popular, but with increasing risks

Paddle surfing is a popular sport in Spain and especially around the Costa Calida, particularly in beaches including Isla Plana, La Azohia, Playa del Mojon and San Pedro del Pinatar. In the warmer months, the calm waters and idyllic coastline can quickly attract newcomers to the sport, resulting in incidents like these where emergency services are called to help trapped paddleboarders.

It can make for a great afternoon of fun, but can also incur risks of incidents like these, when paddleboarders have difficulty getting back to shore due to sudden changes in the sea or weather conditions.

How to avoid problems while enjoying an afternoon of paddleboarding

Local authorities remind beachgoers, including many expatriates who make up a significant portion of the region’s coastal visitors, to carefully check the weather and wind forecasts before heading out, stay close to the shoreline, and avoid going out alone. Carrying a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch and using a leash attached to the board are also simple precautions that can make a major difference when emergency services need to be called.