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Islay RNLI called to assist kayakers in water

Lifeboats News Release

On Tuesday 22 August at 1:16pm Islay RNLI were requested to launch to kayakers in difficulty in the water near Kilnaughton Bay, Isle of Islay.

RNLI/Islay RNLI

Islay RNLI all-weather lifeboat
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Leaving their day jobs to answer the call, Islay’s volunteer lifeboat crew assembled and readied the Severn class all-weather lifeboat to launch. Thankfully the kayakers were taken aboard a local vessel that was in the vicinity and able to assist. Once Belfast Coastguard had confirmed all persons that had been in the water were accounted for and did not require medical assistance, Islay RNLI were able to stand down and make sure the lifeboat was ready for service again.

Kayaking and canoeing are activities growing in popularity. For some it’s a chance to relax and get away. Others enjoy the social side or the adventure, exploration and adrenaline. Many do it for exercise and fitness, others for fishing. If you are thinking of going out on the water here are some top safety tips from the RNLI:
  • Always carry a means of calling for help on your person. You must be able to reach it easily in an emergency. Consider taking a mobile phone with the SafeTrx app.
  • Always wear a Personal Floatation Device (PFD). Make sure you are also wearing suitable clothing for the forecasted weather.
  • Always check the weather forecast and tide times. Don’t get caught out by the conditions.
  • Consider labelling your equipment with contact details so, if it’s lost, the coastguard can check you are safe.
  • Tell someone else where you’re going and when you’ll be back. They can raise the alarm with the coastguard by calling 999 or 112 if you are overdue.
  • Hone your skills. Contact your national governing body, club or watersports activity centre to find out what training is best for your needs.
  • Always try to paddle with a friend or in a group. This makes it more fun and they can help if needed.

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 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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter 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.

About the author

Kate Hannett
Lifeboat Press Officer, Islay Lifeboat Station

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