RNLI lifeboat coxswain issues a warning about the use of cheap inflatables.
Sheerness RNLI Lifeboat coxswain Paul Jarvis warned against the use of cheap inflatables on the beach after the inshore lifeboat was called out to reports of three kayaks being blown out to sea from Minster beach.
The volunteer crew of the Sheerness inshore lifeboat ‘Buster’ launched at 1.49 pm on Thursday 15 August after being called out by the UK Coastguard to reports of three Kayaks being blown out to sea off Minster beach.
The lifeboat was on scene at 2.05pm where the crew found one kayak close to the shore and in no trouble, another was further out and in no immediate danger whilst the third was a way off shore and being assisted by the Kent Police launch ‘Invicta’ which had fortunately been in the area at the time.
The casualty from this inflatable was taken onboard the lifeboat from the police launch at 2.14pm and together with his kayak the young man was taken back to the beach and handed in to the care of the Sheppey Coastguard Rescue team. The other two kayakers had by now managed to get back to shore without assistance.
Coxswain Paul Jarvis said: ‘the teenager was checked by the crew and apart from being very cold was ok and hopefully wiser after his frightening incident. This was a classic case of what can happen when a totally unsuitable inflatable type of ‘beach toy’ is taken out on the sea in what were absolutely the wrong conditions with offshore SW winds blowing force six on an ebb tide, a recipe for any type of small inflatable or lightweight craft to get into difficulties in inexperienced hands. Fortunately for this young chap the Police launch was close by when he got in to trouble. Without their help the outcome could have been a lot different’.
The lifeboat was back on station and ready for service again at 3.15pm.
The RNLI advice is ‘- Always visit a lifeguarded beach - Don't take inflatables in offshore winds or big waves - Make sure children are always supervised - If you see someone in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard. More information can be found using the following links.
#WaterSafety #SummerHolidays #Lifeguards #Beach.
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