A kayaker who got into difficulties while out fishing off Littlehampton, was able to quickly contact HM Coastguard because he had his phone in a waterproof pouch.
The kayaker was able to call the coastguard on 999 to ask for help after he started sinking. HM Coastguard sent Littlehampton Coastguard Rescue Team and Littlehampton RNLI Lifeboat Station.
While the search was under way, the kayaker was able to call in again and give a better location which helped the lifeboat head to his exact position. He was rescued and brought ashore with the assistance of both coastguard rescue team and lifeboat crew.
Darren Crisp from Littlehampton Coastguard Rescue Team said: “Not only did the kayaker have his phone in a waterproof pouch, he also had a full wet suit on and was wearing a PFD too.
It meant that for the 45 minutes he was in the water, he had buoyancy. He also did the right thing by staying with his kayak which also helped him.”
- Wear a PFD
- Make sure you have some means of contacting the shore
- Wear the right kit
- Call 999 and ask for the Coastguard
