Seahouses RNLI praises the calmness and courage of a young kayaker
A father and daughter who assisted a fellow kayaker in difficulty and raised the alarm recently visited Seahouses RNLI. They were given a tour of the station and were praised by the crew for their quick thinking and courage.
On 10 May with a light but freshening breeze, the waters around St Cuthbert’s Isle offered a picturesque setting for a father-daughter kayaking trip. For Gary Richardson and daughter Linda, it was a typical day out on the water until they noticed something wrong. Another kayaker was in the water, his boat capsized, and he was clearly in distress.
The pair didn't hesitate. They paddled over to assist, quickly discovering that the man could not swim. As the wind picked up and the water became choppy, the situation grew more urgent.
While Gary worked to keep the man safe, securing a rope to the overturned kayak and encouraging him to hold on, Linda made a critical choice. Understanding that professional help was needed, she turned her kayak towards the shore.
Paddling with purpose, she fought against a strengthening wind and the tidal stream. Reaching the shore, she immediately raised the alarm.
The Coastguard was alerted, and the volunteer crew of the Seahouses RNLI inshore lifeboat was paged and launched to the scene.
Her call-to-action had also mobilised others on the beach, who waded into the water to help bring the casualty safely ashore. A local doctor, Richard, was on hand to check him over.
When Seahouses RNLI arrived, the crew ascertained that the man was thankfully ashore and receiving care. While the lifeboat was not required for the rescue itself, the incident underscores the vital importance of the seamless chain of survival that begins with one person making one crucial call.
A spokesperson for Seahouses RNLI commented: ‘Linda and her father worked as a team, with Gary providing immediate support to the casualty while Linda focused on the most critical task: getting help. Her ability to stay calm and paddle to shore against the elements demonstrates immense courage.
‘It serves as a powerful reminder of how quick thinking and knowing what to do in an emergency can be the difference between a close call and a tragedy.
‘It highlights the core message that when you see someone in trouble on the coast, the most important action you can take is to raise the alarm. If you see someone in difficulty call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.’
Water safety advice:
- Stay with the Casualty (if safe): Gary did an excellent job of staying with the man, offering encouragement and a physical connection to the capsized kayak. If you can help someone without putting yourself in danger, do so. But never enter the water to attempt a rescue yourself - you could quickly become a casualty too.
- Always Be Prepared: Before you head out, check the weather forecast and tide times. Wear a lifejacket or personal flotation device that is appropriate for your activity.
- Raise the Alarm Immediately: Linda’s decision to paddle for shore and get help was the right one. If you see someone in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard. Don't assume someone else has already made the call. The sooner our volunteer crews are alerted, the sooner they can be on scene.
- Carry a Means of Calling for Help: A mobile phone in a waterproof pouch or a VHF radio is an essential piece of kit. It allows you to contact the Coastguard directly, providing a precise location and details of the incident, which saves valuable time.
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 over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, 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 more than 146,000 lives.
RNLI Media contacts
For more information, please contact John Atkinson, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer: [email protected]
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok 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.