Lifeguards rescue family in capsized kayak in Devon
A lifeguard in Devon. Stock image. PA
A family was rescued from the water in Devon by volunteer RNLI lifeguards after their kayak capsized in onshore winds.
This is South Devon reports that a member of the public walking on a cliff around one kilometre south of Bantham beach raised the alarm after they spotted the family struggling on their kayak in the conditions.
Volunteer RNLI lifeguards Lima Krige and Dave Grover responded immediately in an inshore rescue boat and found the three casualties, an adult and two children, in the water after they were unable to keep their kayak upright.
The three were in a panicked state and were later treated for cold and shock after they were taken back to the shore by the lifeguards.
Bantham Surf Lifesaving Club's lifeguards take part in voluntary patrols for the RNLI every weekend throughout the summer and the day of the incident was the last for the 2012 season.
Liam Krige, who saved the family and is also an RNLI lifeguard supervisor, told This is South Devon: 'The casualties were extremely shocked when they found themselves in the water, and if we'd been on scene any later the incident would have been much more serious.
'Luckily we were able to rescue the family quickly and take them back to the beach and they went on their way uninjured.
In recent weeks, lifeguards in the South Hams area have responded to several incidents involving kayaks. The RNLI encourages kayakers to ensure they check that the weather and tide conditions are suitable before going onto the water.
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