Porthcawl RNLI’s volunteer crew were tasked by UK Coastguard at 6.47am on Saturday 30 May to assist a kayaker who had capsized between Newton and Tusker Rock.

The kayaker was with a friend but had been unable to get back onto his kayak after capsizing. The charity’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat, Rose of the Shires was launched on service in calm seas with South Easterly winds of force 3-4. The crew quickly located the casualty and took both him and his friend onboard. Despite being cold from being in the water, the capsized kayaker required no further medical attention. Both kayakers were taken back to the beach at Sandy Bay where the volunteer crew were met by Porthcawl Coastguard Team.

Lifeboat Operations Manager at Porthcawl, Phil Missen MBE said, ‘The kayakers had a mobile phone and were able to call 999 to contact the UK Coastguard for help. Despite the challenges of search and rescues during the Covid-19 pandemic, our lifeboat crew volunteers have been operational throughout and are ready to drop everything at a moments notice to aid those in peril at sea.’

Chris Cousens, Water Safety Lead for the RNLI in Wales said: ‘With changes to Welsh Government rules from Monday 1 June, we urge the Welsh public to remember the following safety advice: Stay in familiar surroundings and follow the Welsh Government advice. Do not put yourself, your family and emergency services at risk by taking risks or assuming it ‘won’t happen to you’. If you do see someone at risk call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.’

Chris Cousens said: ‘If you are heading out for a coastal walk, make sure it is safe before you go. Always check the tide times and conditions before you set off and while out, be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on the tide direction. Ask for local advice and look out for safety signs. Always carry a means of calling for help and know to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard if you or someone else is at risk.’

Please follow our safety advice to protect yourself and your loved ones:

1. Take care when walking near cliffs, keep dogs on leads
2. Check the weather forecast and tide times
3. If you fall into the water unexpectedly, FLOAT TO LIVE. Fight your instinct to thrash around, lean back, extend your arms and legs, and Float
4. Check your equipment and wear a lifejacket if you’re going afloat and have a means for calling for help

In a coastal emergency, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.