RNLI lifeboat and lifeguards in Weymouth help kayaker in distress
Just four days into the summer service at Weymouth, RNLI lifeguards were called by Weymouth lifeboat to notify them of a kayaker who needed help near Bowleze Cove yesterday (3 May) knowing the lifeguards could get to the casualty quicker .
Alice Higgins, lifeguard supervisor at Weymouth gave the lifeguards at the beach the nod to launch their boat to go out and help the kayaker. When the lifeguards arrived on scene a local paddleboarder had already helped the kayaker back to shore.
The lifeguards, Barney and Luke, retrieved the kayak and ensured that no one else was in trouble, shortly after the inshore lifeboat from Weymouth arrived on scene and helped treat the casualty.
Alice Higgins, Lifeguard Supervisor for Weymouth said: ‘Saving lives at Sea is what the RNLI prides itself on and this is a great example of two parts of the RNLI working together with the public to ensure the safe return to the shore for the kayaker and their kayak.
With the long awaited warmer weather expected around the UK this weekend, the RNLI would advise anyone wanting to make the most of it with a trip to the coast to go to a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.
Alice continued: ‘ The sea can be dangerously unpredictable so we always mark out the safest swimming area with red and yellow flags, and the lifeguards keep an extra close eye on this area of water. Remember the sea is still pretty cold at this time of year too. Even if you have no plans to take a dip in the sea, come and have a chat with us and we’ll help you have the safest day at the beach possible.’
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.
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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.