Just after midday on Saturday 31st Oct both Porthcawl RNLI lifeboats Rose of the Shires and Jean Ryall launched to reports of a capsized kayaker in difficulty half a mile off Newton Point.

The Atlantic 85 Lifeboat, Rose of the Shires, with Helmsman Chris Missen in command, sighted the casualty with his capsized kayak. Chris said, ‘The casualty had been in the water for 15 to 20 minutes, fortunately both sea conditions and visibility were good and within minutes of our launch we had the male kayaker safely on board and returned to the lifeboat station’.

Porthcawl’s D Class lifeboat was also launched in case there had been the need to conduct a search for the casualty or had the casualty been swept near rocks at Newton Point. Following the successful rescue of the kayaker by fellow volunteers on the Atlantic 85, they were then able to recover the upturned kayak and return it to the lifeboat station.

“Thanks to the quick actions of our volunteers…. this rescue came to a successful conclusion.”

Steve Jones, Deputy Launching Authority

Lifeboat crew and a paramedic provided medical attention to the casualty following his immersion in the sea but fortunately he only suffered from cold and was later returned to Newton by Porthcawl Coastguard Unit.

Deputy Launching Authority Steve Jones said, ‘We were first informed of this incident by coastguard personnel who had received reports from a member of the public saying they had heard a person calling for help. Thanks to the quick actions of our volunteer RNLI crew members, meant that this rescue came to a successful conclusion’.

Lifeboat Operations Manager at Porthcawl, Phil Missen MBE said, ‘we are aware of more people taking up the sport of kayak fishing off Porthcawl, fortunately in today’s incident the casualty was wearing a wet suit and a lifejacket. We would

like to remind people who use the sea to ensure that they are wearing protective clothing and take safety equipment with them including a means of communication to call for assistance should the need arise. Today the conditions were good and sea temperatures are still relatively high yet the kayak was swamped by waves in Newton Race and with winter fast approaching conditions will deteriorate so protect yourself’.