West Kirby RNLI tasked to search for missing kayak
West Kirby RNLI was requested to launch at 2.28pm by HM Coastguard following reports of a missing kayak near to Talacre Beach.
The West Kirby RNLI volunteer crew launched to carry out a thorough search for the inflatable kayak, which had three people onboard, on the east side of the River Dee. It was reported that it had blown offshore and, in addition to West Kirby RNLI inshore lifeboat being tasked, Rhyl RNLI Shannon-Class AWB was launched to join in with this search. The casualties returned to shore unaided after 40 minutes once the wind speed had dropped and they notified the local Flint Coastguard team of their safe return. West Kirby RNLI lifeboat was stood down when they were at West Bar in the River Dee.
Richard Diamond, West Kirby RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager said: ‘Inflatables are not designed for open water and it takes very little breeze for them to be swept out to sea - much quicker than you can swim or paddle back to the beach. Always proceed with caution and make sure that you are wearing lifejackets and carrying a means of calling for help should you find yourself in difficulty. Phone 999 and ask for the Coastguard if you believe yourself or someone to be in danger on the water. What may seem fun at first can turn into an extremely serious situation, in a matter of seconds.’
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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