Kayaker ‘Up To His Neck in Water’ Rescued

Lifeguards unexpectedly deployed to Rescue Kayaker up to his neck in water off Newquay.

A wave had sucked the man out to sea off Towan beach and he was struggling to get back to shore. He was pulled to safety with help from a third man then quickly treated by paramedics on the scene.

RNLI lifeguard supervisor Nathan Wilmer and Peter Rigo (who will return as an RNLI lifeguard later this summer) arrived at Towan beach on Tuesday around midday and were alerted by Mike Young from Escape Surf School to a kayaker in the water. The man had launched his kayak from the harbour but had been washed into the water while paddling out into the sea. He was trying to swim back to shore but the strong winds and rough conditions put him in serious difficulty and danger.

Mike, Nathan and Peter quickly reacted putting their wetsuits on and made their way out to the victim who was apparently up his neck in water but being washed around by the waves. Mike arrived first and supported him and between the three they swam back to shore. On the beach the casualty was assessed then an ambulance was called for further care.

Nathan had arrived at the beach to carry out rescue watercraft training with lifeguards who are due a return to the areas beaches on Saturday. Nathan has said – “The casualty was extremely lucky that Peter and I had just arrived at the beach, and that mike had spotted him and was also in a position to help. Despite it being the end of April the weather continues to be unsettled with squally showers and winds creating rough conditions in and on the water.”