Kayakers cause concern at Brean

Both inshore lifeboats were speedily launched in ideal conditions, and proceeded to the reported area.

A subsequent observation from the Bridgwater pilot boat to Milford control redefined the inflatables as two kayakers possibly on passage between Brean and Steep holm Island.

Therefore, the crew of Burnham-on-Sea Atlantic 85 Doris Day and Brian were stood down and returned to Burnham-on-Sea for recovery, whilst the crew of D class lifeboat Burnham Reach, proceeded to intercept the kayakers. Upon interception, the kayakers confirmed that they were trying to reach Steep holm Island. The concerned crew issued safety advice and the kayakers turned around , heading back to the beach.

The lifeboat crew kept watch for a while, and once the small craft were out of risk, returned to Burnham-on-Sea for recovery, sanitising and wash-down

Helmsman Marc Smith said; ‘They were OK, but potentially in trouble once the tide had turned. We issued safety advice and kept a watchful eye as they returned to Brean Beach.

ENDS

NOTES FOR EDITORS

Image with this release:

File name: D_class_returns (RNLI/Mike Lang)

The D Class lifeboat Burnham Reach returns to Burnham beach for recovery

RNLI Lifeboats at Burnham-on-Sea

A 8.5m Atlantic 85 named Doris Day and Brian plus a smaller 4.95m D class IB1 inflatable named Burnham Reach The station was opened officially on 15^th May 2004, but has been operational since December 2003.

Note During 2019 the RNLI was facing a ‘perfect storm’, with a reduced income and an increase in demand for it’s services. During 2020 and 2021, in the midst of a global pandemic, fundraising has been severely reduced by a national lockdown, yet the lifeboats have still been launched 24/7 in their strategy to save lives at sea.

Click this link to donate; https://rnli.org/support-us/give-money/give-to-a-special-appeal/summer-appeal

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For more information about this release please telephone Mike Lang, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07889 815860 or email [email protected],

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Alternatively, telephone Amy Caldwell RNLI Public Relations Manager (South) Tel: 07920 818 807, [email protected].

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