Falmouth RNLI Crew rescue a kayaker from the water
Falmouth’s inshore lifeboat and volunteer crew went to the rescue of a kayaker who was reported to be clinging to a kayak, in the water, for around two hours on Thursday 12 March.
With a moderate swell and Force 5-6 conditions, the inshore lifeboat Robina Nixon Chard was tasked to launch at 1.23pm to go to the aid of a kayaker in the sea.
Helm Jamie Wakefield and volunteer crew Tom Bird, Lloyd Barron and Caden Harris quickly made their way to near Porthcurnick beach, near Portscatho, and found the individual holding on to the side of their kayak.The crew recovered the casualty and returned to the station while administering casualty care, and passed the individual to a waiting ambulance.
As the individual was showing signs of early hypothermia, they were then taken to hospital for further care.
Falmouth Lifeboat Coxswain Jon Blakeston said: “At this time of year, in particular, the waters around our coastline are very cold, and can quickly cause cold water shock or hypothermia. Thankfully, our volunteer crew were able to rescue this individual out of the water and get them to safety in a timely manner. We wish them a speedy recovery.’
Notes to editors
- The attached images show the volunteer crew and inshore lifeboat heading out to the rescue.
- Video footage of the rescue may soon be available, and we will update you with this once this is the case.
- If you see someone who might be in trouble in the water, calling 999 and asking for the Coastguard is vital, as time of the essence – particularly with the cold waters at this time of year.
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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