Third shout in 24 hours as Exmouth RNLI volunteers help two kayakers
Third shout in 24 hours as Exmouth RNLI volunteers help two kayakers
Lifeboats News Release
At 12:30pm yesterday (19 September) H.M. Coastguard tasked Exmouth RNLI to assist in the search for two kayakers who had been separated from their group for over 30 minutes
Exmouth RNLI Inshore lifeboat (ILB) George Bearman II, with three volunteer crew launched, followed shortly after by the Exmouth RNLI lifeguard rescue water craft (RWC).
The kayakers had last been seen near Number 1 buoy in the River Exe channel and, upon arrival, the ILB and the lifeguard engaged directly with the crew of the local range safety boat, the
Smit Cern, who were able to confirm the exact location of the casualties. One kayaker was struggling in the water in challenging 1m swell near their kayak, whilst the second kayaker was waving for assistance.
The ILB crew swiftly pulled the struggling kayaker from the water and headed back to the safety of the lifeboat station at best speed. The lifeguard RWC escorted the second kayaker to the safety of the shore.
Upon arrival back at Exmouth Lifeboat Station, the casualty was met by paramedics from South West Ambulance services where they were assessed and later taken to hospital for further checks.
James Edge, Exmouth RNLI volunteer helm said:
‘We would like to thank the crew of the Smit Cerne and our RNLI lifeguard colleagues for their timely assistance and we wish the casualty a swift recovery.
Although the current weather conditions are beautiful, the strong tidal conditions, combined with an easterly swell, have resulted in a number of shouts for our volunteers in the last 24 hours. We advise all water users to check conditions before entering the water, take appropriate safety equipment for their chosen activity and carry a means of communication.’
 
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Alison Hogan, volunteer lifeboat press officer at Exmouth Lifeboat Station on 07867 904498 or [email protected] or Emma Haines, Regional Communications Manager, on 07786 668847 or [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
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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.