RNLI lifeguards rescue pair after kayak capsizes off Burgh Island
Two people were safely rescued after their kayak capsized in challenging conditions near Burgh Island on the morning of Saturday 16 May, thanks to a swift multi-agency response involving RNLI lifeguards and Hope Cove Independent Lifeboat.
RNLI lifeguards at Sedgewell Cove had just begun their first day of patrols for the 2026 season when they were alerted to reports of multiple people in difficulty at the back of Burgh Island.
An immediate response was launched, with a Rescue Watercraft (RWC) from Bantham—already training nearby—tasked to attend. Senior RNLI lifeguard Will Simmons, alongside crew member Matt Liptrott, arrived quickly on scene.
Back on the beach, RNLI lifeguards Tom Stockwell and Daisy Womack worked closely with HM Coastguard to coordinate the response, calling in support from Hope Cove Independent Lifeboat and the Bigbury Coastguard Rescue Team.
When the team arrived, they found two people stuck on rocks after their kayak had overturned in strong winds. The rough conditions had made it unsafe for them to get back to shore on their own.
Lifeguards entered the water to reach them, and both casualties were helped safely off the rocks and guided out to the rescue watercraft. They were brought back to shore and checked over, with no further medical treatment needed.
The kayak was later recovered by the Hope Cove Lifeboat volunteer crew of Eric Stidson, Steve Bruce and Fergus Longbottom.
Luke Lane-Prokopiou, RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor said: ‘This was a positive outcome in windy conditions and a great example of how effective joint working between RNLI lifeguards and our emergency service colleagues can be.
'The team responded quickly and professionally to ensure the casualties were brought to safety. It was also great to see the RNLI’s high level of training being put into practice so effectively.’
The incident marked the first rescue of the season at Sedgewell Cove, and the first for Will Simmons as an RWC operator, having passed his assessment just the day before.
Safety advice:
With sunny conditions forecast as the May half-term approaches, RNLI lifeguards are urging the public to take extra care when visiting the coast:
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Choose a lifeguarded beach where possible
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Check weather and sea conditions before heading out
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Avoid using inflatables or kayaks in strong winds or offshore conditions
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Always wear appropriate safety equipment, including buoyancy aids
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Take a means of calling for help and keep it within reach, at all times
RNLI lifeguards are currently patrolling daily from Saturday 23 May at Bantham, Sedgewell Cove (Bigbury), and Challaborough in South Devon.
For the latest safety advice, visit: rnli.org/safety
Notes to editors:
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Images show RNLI lifeguard team alongside Hope Cove Independant Lifeboat volunteers assisting in the rescue.
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Information on RNLI patrolled beaches can be found here: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeguarded-beaches
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Bantham, Sedgewell Cove (Bigbury), and Challaborough beaches have daily RNLI patrols from 23 May. Bigbury on Sea will have daily patrols from 11 July
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Hope Cove Life Boat is an Independent lifeboat which operates in Bigbury Bay all year round.
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Hope Cove Independent Life Boat is an independent charity formed in 2011 to provide a rapid response lifeboat for Bigbury Bay and the surrounding coastline. Run entirely by volunteers and supported by the local community the charity works alongside other agencies including HM Coastguard and The RNLI. For more information please visit hopecovelifeboat.org
RNLI Media Contacts
For further information, please contact:
Annabelle Spiers, RNLI Communications Placement at [email protected] or on 07521943895, or Amy Caldwell, RNLI Regional Communications Lead at [email protected] or on 07920818807, or Emma Haines at [email protected] or on 07786 668847, or 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.