Jurassic Sea Kayakers donate £2000 to Swanage Lifeboat Station

The group of kayakers was quickly located on a rocky part of the shore in Durlston Bay and the volunteer crew were immediately directed to one of the kayakers, Steve Jones who was experiencing some vision problems. An initial assessment did not identify any obvious problems, but the vision problems persisted and it was decided to take the casualty by lifeboat back to the lifeboat station so that he could receive medical attention.

In response to the Mayday call, HM Coastguard and a Coastguard helicopter had also been tasked to the incident. With a helicopter landing site close to the lifeboat station the casualty was able to be transferred from the lifeboat to the helicopter and flown to Poole hospital where it was discovered that the casualty, Steve, had suffered a stroke.

Unbeknown to Steve an abnormality in his brain had caused the stroke, despite being otherwise fit and healthy. As the vision problems came about whilst he was at sea he required the services of the RNLI to get help in an otherwise inaccessible location. The quick evacuation from this location and fast emergency care enabled Steve to be treated quickly and to return to his love of sea kayaking.

Following his diagnosis and subsequent recovery, Steve was told his chances of survival had been 20%, and that seeking help when his vision deteriorated probably saved his life. After this frightening experience, Steve wanted to raise awareness of the work of the RNLI and also the importance of carrying the right equipment, as Steve and his group did on that day, which enabled them to radio for help.

Steve decided to raise some money for Swanage RNLI and as part of the fundraising decided to arrange a group of Jurassic Sea Kayakers to visit Swanage again for a training exercise with the Swanage lifeboats. After the exercise the volunteer crew at Swanage were delighted to accept a cheque for £2000.

Volunteer lifeboat crew member Becky Mack, who attended Steve’s rescue in 2015 said: 'It was both humbling and inspiring to meet Steve again this year, thankfully in much better circumstances. I remember thinking at the time how well prepared the group of kayakers were, which in hindsight clearly contributed to saving Steve’s life. We are so grateful for this donation and for Steve raising awareness of carrying the correct equipment at sea.'

RNLI Media Contacts:

Becky Mack, Lifeboat Press Officer, Swanage Lifeboat Station, (07812) 558487 [email protected]

Paul Dunt, RNLI Regional Media Officer (London/East/South East) on 0207 6207416, 07785 296252 [email protected]

For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789

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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