LONE KAYAKER MAKES WATERY CALL FOR HELP

A lone kayaker called for help this morning by making a 999 call from the cold sea off Newton Point, Porthcawl.

As he spoke to Swansea Coastguard he was drifting out to sea in the choppy tide. Swansea Coastguard immediately sent the Porthcawl RNLI Inshore Lifeboat, RAF Rescue helicopter 169 from Chivenor and the Porthcawl Coastguard Rescue Team. The kayaker was rescued by the lifeboat and taken for medical attention.
 
Steve Jones, Watch Manager at Swansea Coastguard said;

"This is an everyday story of a lone kayaker that gets into difficulties in choppy seas. The difference in this tale is that this kayaker was carrying his mobile phone in an acquapack secured to his body. This simple but effective piece of forward planning meant that when he was separated from his kayak and being carried out to sea his mobile was dry and working so he could summon the help he needed.

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