December 20, 2025 — Parcelas Area Paddleboard Rescue
Community-led paddleboard rescue during strong onshore winds highlighting equipment risk, environmental awareness, and the need for visitor education.
On December 20, 2025, another community rescue took place along the Rincón coastline.
Alexis Hollins (@hollinsalexis) and his son Noah Hollins (@noahhollins) identified two paddleboarders stranded offshore near the Parcelas area. Strong winds with gusts between 15–20 knots prevented the individuals from paddling back to shore.
The individuals in distress were a Puerto Rican resident and a visiting tourist. Preliminary information suggests the paddleboards were included as amenities at their Airbnb accommodation — a growing concern that highlights the urgent need for proper ocean-safety orientation when water equipment is provided to guests.
This situation is not isolated.
In a previous incident, a couple on paddleboards was blown offshore and drifted toward Desecheo Island. The male survived and was rescued. His partner was never found.
Today, the outcome was different because the Rincón community was alert and ready to act.
Alexis and Noah safely assisted both individuals back to shore without reported injuries.
This rescue underscores the importance of Rincón Water Safety (RWS) Beach Guardian seminars, which educate community members to:
• Recognize environmental risk factors
• Understand wind and current dynamics
• Act early
• Coordinate safely
Wind, currents, and open water do not forgive misjudgment.
Providing ocean equipment without proper safety guidance can place lives at risk.
🙏 Thank you to Alexis Hollins and Noah Hollins for their decisive action.
🛟 Thank you to a community that understands water safety is a shared responsibility.
In the water, we look out for one another.
Rincón Water Safety