What happens when a leisurely paddleboarding trip turns into a life-threatening emergency? This was the reality for Mandy Galloway on July 1, 2023, when she found herself clinging to an overturned paddleboard off the coast of Kingsbarns, Fife, Scotland, for approximately 90 minutes after being dragged two miles from shore.
Mandy was paddleboarding with her partner when the weather conditions deteriorated rapidly. As the waves grew more aggressive, she lost her balance and was thrown into the water. Her partner, realizing the danger, managed to paddle back to shore to raise the alarm, but Mandy was left adrift, struggling against the elements.
During her time in the water, Mandy lost feeling in her legs and began to panic as she drifted further out to sea. “I thought I was going to die,” she later recounted, highlighting the fear and desperation she felt in those critical moments. Fortunately, the alarm was raised, and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) quickly mobilized.
Two RNLI lifeboats were launched from Anstruther lifeboat station to search for Mandy. The rescue team faced the daunting task of locating her in the vast expanse of water. Scott Brown, a member of the RNLI, shared the challenges they encountered during the search, stating, “At that point, we’re really concerned all three of us were worried that, basically we’re looking for a needle in a haystack.”
After approximately 90 minutes in the water, Mandy was found extremely hypothermic and weak. The RNLI volunteers treated her aboard the lifeboat before transporting her to the hospital for further care. Mandy expressed her gratitude to the RNLI volunteers who saved her life, stating, “They are heroes. Without them, I wouldn’t be here.”
Since her rescue, Mandy Galloway has welcomed three grandchildren into her family, a poignant reminder of the life she nearly lost that day. Her experience serves as a powerful testament to the importance of safety while engaging in water sports and the critical role that organizations like the RNLI play in saving lives.
As the RNLI continues its lifesaving work, they reported that in 2025, they launched lifeboats 1,172 times in Scotland alone, saving 272 lives. The organization remains committed to ensuring the safety of individuals enjoying the ocean, emphasizing the importance of being prepared for sudden changes in weather conditions.
