How the JCB Tough phone T2F Supports Safety on UK Waters

The Customer

Thames Paddleboarding, founded by Paddle UK Providers Jane Wyndham-Smith (“Adventure Jane”) and Ian Bowditch, deliver the coaching, leadership and safety qualifications that underpin thousands of paddlesport sessions across the UK each year.

Between them, Jane and Ian bring more than a decade of expedition and coaching experience in environments ranging from Antarctica and the Arctic to Mexico, India and Norway. Holding qualifications across multiple paddle disciplines, they deliver courses including Paddlesport Safety and Rescue, Paddlesport Instructor, Paddlesport Leader Training and Assessment, Touring Leader, SUP Inland Open Water Leader and Stand-Up Paddleboard Instructor qualifications.

These are the qualifications most paddlers never see directly, but which form the foundation of safe, well-led activity on the water throughout the UK.

The Challenge

Participation in paddlesports across the UK continues to grow rapidly, bringing increasing responsibility around safety, communication and emergency preparedness.

For professional coaches and leaders operating on open water, reliable communication equipment is essential. Conditions can change quickly, incidents can escalate rapidly, and access to emergency support may become critical within moments.

“Safety is often the weakest link in the industry, and that’s where we focus. When you work or play on the water, emergencies will happen from time to time. Weather changes quickly, paddlers are vulnerable, and situations can escalate fast. Preparation, training and understanding how to respond are critical in helping de-escalate potentially serious situations.

One of the key elements is the ability to communicate effectively and quickly with others. No matter how waterproof you think your phone is, if it’s sitting at the bottom of the river or sea, you won’t find it when you need it most.”
— Ian Bowditch

The issue is far from theoretical. Recently, a client arrived on a course with a phone stored inside a supposedly waterproof case. The case failed, the phone flooded with water and became unusable.

Following the incident, the client chose to purchase a proven waterproof floating phone — the JCB Toughphone T2F — specifically for paddling and outdoor use.

Why JCB

Ian has known Chris at JCB Phone for several years and was introduced to the Tough phone T2F while it was still in development.

“We immediately thought it was a brilliant concept and couldn’t wait to test it out.”

The requirements were straightforward. The device needed to be:

• genuinely waterproof
• durable and reliable
• easy to access in an emergency
• compact enough for paddlesport use
• and, critically, able to float

For Thames Paddleboarding, a phone that can survive immersion is only part of the solution. A phone that can be recovered after being dropped into the water becomes a genuinely practical safety tool.

The Solution in Action

Ian has already relied on the T2F during real-world incidents on the water.

During one session, he encountered two young paddleboarders who had been blown offshore in strengthening winds and were struggling to return safely.

Ian was able to use the phone immediately to coordinate assistance and contact their parents to reassure them that help was on its way.

Because the phone was stored securely in his buoyancy aid pocket, waterproof and floating, he could access it instantly and confidently without hesitation.

A second incident occurred during a recent session in strong winds.

“These were experienced paddlers, but an injury changed the dynamics of the situation.  During the incident I dropped the phone into the choppy waves, because it floated, we recovered it immediately and then contact people on shore and update them on the situation.”

For Thames Paddleboarding, this highlighted the key difference between a phone that is technically waterproof and one that is genuinely designed for use in demanding outdoor environments.

A phone that survives being dropped into the sea is valuable. A phone that floats and can quickly be recovered may make all the difference in an emergency.

What the Coaches Notice

Beyond the headline waterproof-and-floating specification, several practical design features have stood out during day-to-day professional use.

Large Physical Buttons

Cold hands, wet conditions and stressful situations can make touchscreen phones difficult or impossible to operate reliably.

The Toughphone T2F’s large physical buttons provide a genuine operational advantage when fast and accurate communication matters most.

Compact and Practical Design

“It’s a great size, fits neatly into my buoyancy aid pocket, and I hardly notice it’s there.”

For instructors and leaders with long days on the water, comfort and accessibility are essential.

Long Battery Life

Extended battery life is another significant benefit for coaches working outdoors, particularly during multi-session courses or remote trips where charging opportunities may be limited.

Ian also expects the integrated torch feature to prove particularly useful during future cave paddling and night navigation sessions.

Wider Adoption

For Thames Paddleboarding, the goal is not simply to carry one reliable phone during sessions.

Every course also serves as a live demonstration of best practice in water safety, communication and preparedness.

Their longer-term ambition is to encourage wider adoption of reliable floating communication devices within paddle clubs and coaching organisations across the UK — helping improve safety standards throughout the paddlesport community.