Dunbar crew come to the rescue of two kayakers

The alarm was raised when a member of the public spotted two women in the water struggling with their kayaks shortly after 5pm on 17 September.

The inshore lifeboat (ILB) the Jimmy Miff was launched and by the time the crew was on scene one woman had managed to get back on her kayak but the other was having difficulty amid the rocks not far off shore from the town's Winterfield Golf Course.

Two of the crew entered the water to help the women into the lifeboat. The women were then rushed in the ILB to Dunbar Harbour where they were checked over by ambulance staff. The kayaks were also recovered and returned to the harbour.

Although both women were well equipped, Dunbar coxswain Gary Fairbairn said the incident highlighted the importance of the RNLI's Respect the Water campaign and in particular the ability to raise the alarm when in trouble.

Gary said: "We want people to enjoy the water but when things go wrong it's very important to be able to raise the alarm. In this case a member of the public spotted the danger and we were able to respond. However, we urge all kayakers to prepare for every eventuality and call for help if in trouble."

The ILB was returned to the boathouse and by 6.30pm was refuelled and ready for service.

Note to Editors:

Kayaking is one of the most popular watersports in the UK, with more and more people paddling each year.
Over 1.2M people took part in the sport in 2012 and over 276,000 UK households now own a canoe or kayak. From rivers to seas, there are ample places to get out and go paddling.
But whether you’re a start-up novice or a seasoned pro, there are a couple of things you should take note of in order to paddle safe.
What's the RNLI doing about it?
Seven people died in kayaking incidents in UK coastal waters during 2012, and the number of rescue incidents involving kayakers and canoeists has increased significantly over the last few years.
One man, lucky to be alive, was rescued by Port Erin lifeboat crew and a Fisheries Protection Vessel off the Isle of Man in March 2014. He capsized and was unable to get back in his boat – he spent about an hour clinging to his upturned kayak, trying to attract attention before being spotted.
https://youtu.be/yKNcXSInnDo

Media Contacts:…Douglas Wight Dunbar RNLI LPO…
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