St Catherine's RNLI Inshore Lifeboat launches to assist kayakers

The St Catherine's RNLI crew were paged just after 6.30pm on Friday 8 May to assist two kayakers who had found themselves unable to make headway against the currents on the north coast. The pair had launched in a double kayak to enjoy some bank holiday fishing but were caught out by the currents which, as a result of the spring tide, were particularly strong.

The lifeboat crew were alongside the causalities within 15 minutes of launching and found the two crew tired and a little cold but otherwise unharmed. The crew and kayak were recovered onto the lifeboat and returned to Greve de Lecq where they were put ashore.

The lifeboat then returned to St Catherine's where the boat was disinfected, refuelled and prepared for the next launch.

Nigel Sweeny, Lifeboat Operations Manager for RNLI Jersey, said:

"This was a relatively straightforward rescue for our crew but it could have had a different outcome had conditions changed or the mobile phone the casualties were carrying not worked.

We would remind all those going to sea around our coast to be aware of tidal conditions and the weather forecast, to wear a lifejacket and suitable clothing and have a suitable means for raising the alarm such as a flare or VHF radio. Mobile phones are useful as a backup, but they are prone to water damage and there are parts of our coastline where there is no mobile reception."

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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 142,700 lives.

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