raft - Any inflatable raft, boat, or inner tube used for floatation or water recreation (n)

rail - The edge of the paddleboard (n)

rescue buoy - See “rescue can”

rescue can - A hard plastic buoy used for swimming rescues (n)

rescue run - Any action where a guard has to help a bather (n)

rescue tube - A flexible version of a rescue can, well-suited to rescuing unconscious victims (n)

rip current - A current that travels perpendicular to the beach (n); also called a “rip” or a “rip tide”

rocker - The degree of curve in a paddleboard (n)

rolling - A technique for getting past large waves with a paddleboard; which involves flipping the board upside down (n)

rub rail - See “gunnel”

run down - An incident involving running to an adjacent beach to provide backup (n)