St Ives RNLI inshore lifeboat crew rescues four teenagers drifting out to sea

The youths, two in kayaks and two on paddle boards, experienced difficulty in dealing with the tide and were being swept out to sea off St Ives Island. Jake Martin, skipper of local fishing boat Dolly P, was nearest to the scene so went to their aid, lifting three of the four casualties aboard. With the fourth teenager still drifting out to sea, the skipper of the Dolly P alerted Falmouth Coastguard.

At 2.36pm in overcast conditions, a south westerly wind and a 2-3 metre swell, the St Ives RNLI inshore lifeboat was launched with George Deacon at the helm, assisted by volunteer crew members Joel Ninnes and Sue Antcliff. Within minutes the lifeboat crew extracted all four casualties from the Dolly P and the sea.

On their return to Porthminster Beach, the crew requested that the RNLI lifeguards meet them at the water edge so that casualties could be assessed and treated. Ian Lee, RNLI lifeguard, monitored the casualties and as two of them had swallowed water, he called for paramedic assistance. In the interim the casualties were kept warm and calm with plenty of reassurance.

Despite the father of the two kayakers, Darren Conlon, warning his teenage children to stay close to shore, the wind and tide, coupled with inexperience, carried them further out to sea. He praised the efforts of all those involved, in particular the RNLI lifeboat crew and lifeguards and has expressed his gratitude for a successful rescue.

RNLI safety advice

In 2013 there were 305 RNLI lifeboat launches to kayakers and canoeists. We want to help support safer enjoyment of the sport by raising awareness of safer behaviours. Always check the weather and tides before setting out, and always carry a means of calling for help, keeping it within reach. Wear a personal flotation device and tell someone else where you're going and when you'll be back.

The light, buoyant design of a paddle board means that in an offshore breeze, you can quickly find yourself a long way from the shore and it can be extremely difficult to get back. To find out more about how to stay safe when paddleboarding visit https://rnli.org/safety/choose-your-activity/stand-up-paddle-boarding.

RNLI notes to editors

The enclosed photographs show:

• The four teenagers recovering on the beach, assisted by RNLI lifeguard Marcus Or. Please credit RNLI/Alban Roinard.
• Helm George Deacon with crew Joel Ninnes and Sue Antcliff. Also pictured with tractor driver Peter Tanner. Please credit RNLI/Alban Roinard.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact one of the St Ives RNLI Lifeboat Press Officers:

• Alban Roinard (first response/visual media) on 07814 541880
• Phil Moyle (editor/spokesman) on 07886 475974
  
  
  
  

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

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