12 YEAR OLD IN KAYAK RAISES THE ALARM OFF TENBY

A 12-year-old boy phoned the Coastguard to ask for help this afternoon after getting into difficulty when paddling in a kayak off Giltar Point near Tenby.  The 12-year-old and a friend were paddling in the kayak, being pushed by his father when the weather changed and they began being swept out to sea.
At 2.38 pm the boy called Milford Haven Coastguard to report that he and his friend (also 12-years-old) had been being pushed around in the kayak by his father, but that they were being swept out by the tide and were in need of help.  Milford Haven Coastguard sent the Tenby RNLI inshore lifeboat to the scene, along with tasking the Tenby Coastguard Rescue Team and informing the RNLI Lifeguards.  They also made a broadcast to any vessels in the area that might be able to offer assistance.  A local fishing vessel, the ‘Stephen William’ answered the broadcast immediately, locating the group within a minute and bringing them as close to the shore as possible, where they were brought onto the beach by RNLI Lifeguards.  The coastguard rescue team then checked them over and assessed that they did not require medical attention.
Milford Haven Watch Manager Barry Skidmore said:
"We were very impressed with the calm, informative call made by the 12-year-old boy when he phoned for help.  He did absolutely the right thing by calling the Coastguard when they got into difficulty, and the group had followed safety advice by wearing lifejackets and taking a mobile phone which allowed them to raise the alarm.  We would also like to thank the crew of the ‘Stephen William’ who responded immediately to our broadcast.  Their quick response ensured the group were not swept out any further and were brought ashore safely within minutes of their call for assistance.”

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