Two kayakers rescued by Scarborough RNLI on bank holiday weekend

Initially, the inshore lifeboat (ILB) RNLB Super-G launched at 11:30am, after the kayakers had contacted HM Coastguard requesting assistance. Upon the arrival of the ILB, the volunteer lifeboat crew carried out a primary assessment of the casualties, confirming that one casualty was suffering from a medical condition that needed attention.

The all-weather lifeboat (ALB) RNLB Frederick William Plaxton was also tasked at 11:45am to assist. The second casualty was confirmed to be safe and well enough to wait until the all-weather lifeboat arrived. The kayak of the first casualty was brought alongside the ILB so they were able to extract the casualty, returning them to shore at North Bay, and handing them over to the care of the RNLI lifeguards and Scarborough Coastguard Rescue Team. The ALB brought the second casualty and the two kayaks safely back to Scarborough Harbour.

At the time of the rescue, it was approximately an hour before low tide, visibility was poor due to cloud, rain and mist and there was an easterly wind force of two.

Speaking after the callout, Scarborough RNLI Coxswain, John Huntley said: ‘Thanks to the two casualties being experienced kayakers, they were wearing buoyancy aids and had mobile phones with them.

'However this was their first time sea kayaking in Scarborough, so the unfamiliar conditions contributed to one of them experiencing a medical emergency requiring assistance. Because they were well prepared, they were able to do the right thing. They called the Coastguard for assistance as soon as they knew they were in difficulty.

'Kayaking is one the most popular water sports in the UK, and this includes in Scarborough. It doesn’t matter what your ability is, everyone should be on the same wavelength when it comes to staying safe on the water. Because they went out together, were wearing buoyancy aids and carried a mobile phone, it mean they could call for help when they needed to.'

Kayaking is one of the best ways to enjoy the wonders of the water and the RNLI would like to remind everyone to:

• Always carry a means of calling for help, such as a personal VHF/ DSE, a Personal Locator Beacon, a Tracker or a mobile phone.

• Wear a buoyancy aid or lifejacket.

• Check the weather e.g. the Met Office inshore waters broadcast.

• Use tide timetables or a tidal prediction app like AnyTide. The RYA SafeTrx app tracks your voyages and alerts emergency contacts if you fail to return home on time.

• Paddle in a group where possible.

• If you're exploring somewhere new, seek knowledge from experienced kayakers in the area.

• If you are new to Kayaking, find a training session at your local canoe club to help you learn.

• Make sure you have enough time to return safely. If in doubt, seek local advice.

• Call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard if you are in danger or you see someone in danger of being cut off by the tide.

• 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.

• Find out more: rnli.org/safety/choose-your-activity/kayaking-and-canoeing#

RNLI Picture captions

For RNLI head-cam images, please credit RNLI/Nick Gough.

Notes to editors

• Scarborough lifeboat station has been operating since 1801. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/scarborough-lifeboat-station

• For further water safety information go to https://rnli.org/safety

• 2024 is the year of the RNLI 200th anniversary, for more information about RNLI200 can be found at https://rnli.org/about-us/our-history/2024

• Social media handle: @Scarboroughlifeboatstation, Social media hashtag: #ScarboroughRNLI

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Laura Lyth, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 01723 360520 or [email protected], Nick Gough RNLI volunteer Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer [email protected] or Clare Hopps, Regional Communications Manager (North and East) on 07824 518641 or [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.