Lifeboat crews launched to upturned kayak

TWO lifeboat crews were called after an upturned kayak was spotted off Beer.

The Beer Coastguard Rescue Team were patrolling the beach to ensure safety when they saw the upturned kayak with two people in the water near Pounds Pool, with wind blowing them out towards Beer Head.

Both Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat crew and the independent lifeboat from Sidmouth were launched.

On arrival, the kayakers were found to be safe and well, but with their kayak still upturned. They were advised to return to shore, where they were given safety advice.

Coastguards advised that the conditions today were not suitable for an inflatable kayak.

On the way back to Lyme Regis, the RNLI volunteers assisted a stranded sailor at Charton Bay, with some parts of his dinghy broken.

A crew member swam ashore to assist him and recover the boat, setting up a tow and towing the sailor and dinghy back to the safety of Lyme Regis harbour.

Lifeboat Helm Murray Saunders said: "Our volunteer lifeboat crew worked well today, and we were able to make sure everyone returned home safely.

"The beautiful weather is encouraging more people to the beach and sea, but it is important for people to be careful when entering the water, check your equipment, sea conditions and tide times.

"If you see someone in trouble in or near the sea, call 999 and ask for the coastguard."

Beer coastguards will continue to patrol the local beaches until Monday for the safety of beach goers, walkers and anybody using the coast this weekend.

They started at 2pm today and the upturned kayak was their first incident, less than half an hour later.

A spokesperson for the coastguard said: "Please respect the sea, the beaches and the villages and towns you visit. There were four or more fatalities around the South West coast in the last week.

"Please take care, please social distance and please think about what you are about to do whether its have a swim, paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing, using inflatables or any activities at the coast.

"The emergency services are stretched. Even with lockdown this has been our busiest May ever, and the month has not ended yet."

Stay safe and if you see anybody in difficulty at the coast dial 999 and ask for the coastguard.