Abersoch Lifeboat rescues kayaker in first call out for new Helm.

Abersoch RNLI were called to a kayaker in difficultly this week following a deterioration in the weather conditions. The crew were paged at 4.44pm on Monday 10 June 2019 with the Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat launching at 4.54pm.

The crew located the kayaker a short distance round the cliffs from Porth Bach. The area contains caves and small coves popular with kayakers and paddle boarders a short distance from Abersoch Main Beach. The kayaker was extremely well equip however the increasing offshore winds and the dropping tide had made return to the beach very difficult. Having taken shelter a call for help was made.

The kayaker was assisted back to Abersoch Main Beach, where he was met by Abersoch Coastguard. Guy Williams, RNLI Helmsman for Abersoch RNLI Lifeboat, says: ‘The kayaker had taken very sensible steps to protect himself and ensure that he was not carried further out to sea. He was very well equip and was safe and well when we reached him. He had clearly gone to sea prepared and knew when to call for help. The weather and sea conditions can be unpredictable and it is important to be prepared.’

Following the call out the kayaker thanked the crew on the Abersoch RNLI Facebook page, ‘Huge thanks to the crew who rescued me. Everyone of them were absolutely brilliant. I’ve made a donation to this amazing charitable organisation which is mainly volunteers who dedicate their time to saving lives and keeping us safe at sea’.

Notes to editors

• Abersoch lifeboat station has been operating since 1869. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/abersoch-lifeboat-station

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Elissa Thursfield, Abersoch RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07920402015 or [email protected] or Eleri Roberts, Regional Media Officer on 01745585162 or [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

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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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