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Shoreham RNLI assists capsized kayaker
Shoreham RNLI's volunteer crew went to the aid of a kayaker who had capsized in the afternoon of Sunday 2 August. The kayaker was first spotted south west of Shoreham Harbour by the National Coastwatch Institution Shoreham, which put in a call to the Coastguard.
Shoreham RNLI's all-weather lifeboat, the Enid Collett, was already afloat after being tasked to investigate reports of paddleboarders in potential difficulty, and it was quickly on scene following the Coastguard's tasking to help the kayaker.
The kayaker had been fishing when his kayak capsized, and he had been unable to get back on board. Fortunately, the crew of a nearby yacht rescued the kayaker from the water and took him onto their vessel. He was then transferred to Shoreham RNLI's lifeboat, where he was medically checked over before being taken back to the lifeboat station.
Adam Cairns, Shoreham RNLI Coxswain, said: "The kayaker was wearing a buoyancy aid, which makes a huge difference to your safety on the water. Following the brilliant work of the yacht crew in getting him out of the water and keeping him safe, we were glad to be able to help the casualty - and his kayak - back to shore safely.”
If you are taking a kayak out onto the water, make sure you follow these key RNLI safety tips:
- Take a means of calling for help
- Wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid
- Check the weather and tides before you go out
- Ensure that you've had adequate training, and go out in a group when possible
If you get into difficulty, or think you see someone else in difficulty, always phone 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
RNLI Media Contacts
For further information, please contact:Liz Zachary, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI South East, [email protected]
Stella Sims, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for London and South East England, 01202 137714, [email protected]
Julie Rainey, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for London and South East England, 07827 358256, [email protected]
RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [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.