Kayakers in difficulty off Selsey

At 12.30pm on Saturday, UK Coastguard received a 999 call reporting that a group of kayakers appeared to be in difficulty about half a mile offshore at Selsey in rough seas. 

Coastguard Rescue Teams and RNLI Lifeboats from Littlehampton and Selsey attended and reported that everyone from a group 
of 15 people was accounted for and had come ashore.  

In rough weather it can be difficult to keep groups of small craft like kayaks together.  Follow the Coastguard's helpful safety advice: 
​Sea canoeing and kayaking - Ensure that someone at home knows your passage plan including points of arrival and departure, timescale, number in group and other relevant information. Check weather forecasts and tidal conditions and ensure that your skill levels are appropriate for where you are kayaking. Stay together with your group. Wear a buoyancy aid and check that equipment is functioning properly, that your distress flares are in date and are stowed where you can reach them. Carriage of a 406 Personal Locator Beacon is highly recommended for more remote locations.
Carry a VHF marine band radio (fitted with DSC if possible) and learn how to use it. Where there is good network coverage then it is worth carrying a mobile phone in a waterproof bag. Call the Coastguard if you get into difficulty, preferably via channel 16 on your radio or if not by calling 999 and asking for the Coastguard. Join the voluntary CG66 safety identification scheme – it’s free and records details of your kayak and shore contacts for use in an emergency.

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