Littlehampton RNLI rescue kayaker in difficulty near the harbour entrance

HM Coastguard tasked the RNLI at 3.08pm to launch their B Class lifeboat Renee Sherman following reports of a capsized kayak in the sea off West Beach, Littlehampton, where a person in the water was having difficulty righting the boat.

Concerned for the welfare of the kayaker members of the public had dialled 999 and asked for the Coastguard. This enabled a prompt response and the volunteer crew of the lifeboat were able to locate the casualty quickly, about 170 metres west of the harbour entrance. Littlehampton’s D Class lifeboat Ray of Hope was launched as a precaution to assist with the recovery of the kayak whilst the casualty was brought back to the RNLI boathouse slipway at Fisherman’s Quay where an ambulance was waiting to receive the casualty and provide ongoing care.

Ivan Greer, helm of Renee Sherman, said

“Even with clear blue skies, calm water and a very light southerly wind it is easy to get caught out by the sea. When we arrived on the scene the casualty appeared to be getting cold, was unable to right the kayak and could easily have been carried out further offshore on the ebbing current of the River Arun. Fortunately, prompt actions by the public, HM Coastguard, the RNLI crew and South East Coast Ambulance Service prevented a more serious outcome.”

ENDS

RNLI media contacts

Anthony Fogg, Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer, Littlehampton RNLI 07823 509032 [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 over 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 142,700 lives.

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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Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.