Barry Dock RNLI rescue kitesurfer at Whitmore Bay

HM Coastguard requested the launch of the station’s D class inshore lifeboat (ILB) to a kitesurfer who had entered the water at Watchtower Bay and was being pulled along the coastline towards Jackson’s Bay, between Nell’s Point and Friars Point. On what was a warm, sunny day, the beach was busy and members of the public could see the casualty in the water signalling for help.

Several callers alerted HM Coastguard, enabling a rapid response of Barry Dock's lifeboat and the Coastguard rescue team. One of Barry Dock RNLI’s own volunteer crew, Jen, who was on the beach at the time, remained on the phone to the Coastguard, helping to pinpoint the exact location and provide real-time updates.

As the ILB made its way to the scene, the station’s all-weather lifeboat (ALB) was also tasked to assist.

Just as the ILB approached, the kitesurfer managed to self-rescue to Whitmore Bay. The volunteer crew made contact to check he was safe and well. In a turn of events that highlights the close-knit nature of the Barry community, ILB helm Chris White, recognised the kitesurfer as his best friend, Jon.

The crew of Kris, Ben and Chris, ensured Jon was safe before returning him by lifeboat to Watchtower Bay. Although uninjured, he was understandably tired after working hard to get himself back to shore.

Chris said:

“This was a great example of how quickly things can change on the water. The public did exactly the right thing by calling 999 and asking for the Coastguard as soon as they saw someone in difficulty, which meant we could get there quickly. It also shows how important it is to have the right kit and to stay with your equipment – that made a big difference in helping us locate Jon.”

Jon added:

“I’m really grateful to everyone who called it in and to the RNLI crew for coming out. It’s not the situation you want to find yourself in, but I was able to be in communication via my watch while I was in the water which really helped keep me calm as I knew help was coming. If the tide hadn’t turned, I’d have ended up off the Knap instead of in front of all those people on the beach who saw me and called the Coastguard. I’m relieved it all ended safely, even if I won’t hear the end of it from Chris for a while!”

Jon had been wearing the appropriate safety equipment and had a means of communication with him. When he was unable to initially get back onto his board, he did the right thing by holding onto it, using it as a large, visible float. This made it easier for those on the shore and the lifeboat crew to keep sight of him.

Barry Dock RNLI would like to thank everyone on the beach who raised the alarm.

Bill Kitchen, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Barry Dock RNLI, said:

“We’d like to say a big thank you to the members of the public who called 999 or 112 and asked for the Coastguard. Their quick actions meant help was on its way without delay. We’re also grateful to those who kept eyes on the casualty and provided updates. It really shows how looking out for one another can make all the difference.”

The call was a successful outcome for all involved, with the casualty taken back to Watchtower Bay safely before the ILB returned to the lifeboat station and prepared for the next shout.

Notes to editor - Key Information About the Barry Dock Lifeboat Station:

· Barry Dock Lifeboat Station has been saving lives since 1901, and in July 2024, the station opened its new state-of-the-art facility.

· The RNLI provides a 24-hour search and rescue service across the UK and Ireland.

· Barry Dock Lifeboat Station operates an all-weather lifeboat and an inshore D-class lifeboat, providing search and rescue services along the Vale of Glamorgan coast.

For further information, please contact:

Lisa Newberry, Lifeboat Press Officer, Barry Dock Lifeboat Station, 07977 922889. Alternatively, you can contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Regional Communications Manager on [email protected] or 07977 728315, or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

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.