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Yarmouth RNLI tasked to kayaker in difficulty

Lifeboats News Release

On Saturday 2 November, Yarmouth RNLI crews were tasked by HM Coastguard to the reports of a person in the water located west of Hurst Castle Spit being carried offshore after being unable to successfully recover back into their kayak.

Yarmouth RNLI crew working together during rescue

RNLI/Hebe Gregory

Teamwork

Just after 12:45pm, Yarmouth RNLI crews launched their Severn class lifeboat, Eric and Susan Hiscock, 'Wanderer' and quickly made passage towards Hurst Castle after several 999 calls came through to Coastguard after a lone kayaker was seen entering the water after falling from their kayak.

The RNLI lifeboat made best speed to the last known location of the person, and due to the height of the Severn Class Lifeboat, the crews were able to locate them within five minutes of their arrival.

The kayaker had done everything they could in attempt to self-recover themselves and had with them all the recommended safety equipment including a lifejacket, a radio, a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch and flares of which one was released alerting the public that they required assistance. It was this quick thinking and preparation that resulted in the quick launch of rescue services. The casualty had also been using the ‘Float’ technique to help them breathe and keep themselves above the water line.

The casualty was brought on board, and casualty care was administered as they had been in the water for enough time to show the clear signs of becoming hypothermic. The crew then contacted the IOW Ambulance service who arrived at the lifeboat berth within minutes of the lifeboat returning to Yarmouth Harbour just before 1:30pm.

One of the ambulance crew on arrival was Yarmouth RNLI volunteer press officer Hebe Gregory, who is currently undergoing training to be a volunteer community first responder, who was there to help the paramedics and rapid response team to conduct the ambulance’s initial observations before the patient was conveyed to St Mary’s Hospital for further treatment.

The RNLI crews then completed their post recovery checks and were marked as ready for service at 1:40pm.

No one goes to go to the coast or goes out to enjoy water-based activities and expects to be rescued, but accidents can happen without notice. If you find yourself, or see someone in difficulty when out at sea, please call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

If you find yourself in the water, remain calm and remember FLOAT TO LIVE.

Five simple steps that could save your life.

  • Tilt your head back, with your ears submerged.
  • Relax, and try to breathe normally.
  • Move your hands, to help stay afloat.
  • It’s okay if your legs sink, we all float differently.
  • Spread your arms and legs, to improve stability.

Remember it. Share it.


If you’re interested in a volunteering opportunity at Yarmouth Lifeboat Station, please email [email protected]

Notes to editors

  • Photos attached
  • Taken from the ship's camera - Yarmouth RNLI crew teamwork during shout.
  • Yarmouth Severn class lifeboat Eric and Susan Hiscock (Wanderer) 17-25 alongside the IOW Ambulance service.

RNLI contact details:

● Hebe Gregory, Yarmouth RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer [email protected]

●Hatti Mellor, Regional Communications Manager (South East & London) [email protected]

● Julie Rainey, Regional Communications Lead (South East) [email protected]

For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789

IOW ambulance service meeting Yarmouth RNLI at their berth in Yarmouth Harbour

RNLI/Hebe Gregory

IOW ambulance service meeting Yarmouth RNLI at their berth in Yarmouth Harbour

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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

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

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