A PAIR of kayakers were "extremely lucky" to be spotted by RNLI lifeguards at Gwithian beach yesterday after strong winds blew them out to sea.
The men, said to be in their twenties and "insufficiently dressed", were seen waving for help by supervisor James Uren at around 2.20pm.
He quickly alerted colleagues Dan Goodman and Henry Mander and they launched the Rescue Water Craft (RWC) to help the stricken duo. Both were safely escorted back to the beach.
Mr Uren said: "The two kayakers were extremely lucky that they were spotted today, and that the lifeguards were able to help so quickly. Although they were both wearing lifejackets, they were insufficiently dressed; the man in the water was only wearing shorts and a t-shirt. The seas temperature is still extremely cold and he could have been in serious trouble had the lifeguards not been around."
The rescue came just two days after RNLI lifeguard Jonny Marshall rescued three swimmers who were caught in a strong rip current on Porthtowan beach. The incident happened at around 7pm, an hour after the charity's lifeguards had finished their safety patrols.
Earlier the same day, RNLI lifeguard supervisor Drustan Ward had helped an exhausted bodyboarder back to shore after he'd been caught out by the same rip current.
He said: "The swimmers were extremely lucky that Jonny was around and knew what he was doing. It can be very scary if you find yourself stuck in a rip current and it's easy to panic and find yourself in further trouble. There is a particularly strong current at Porthtowan at the moment, which you can feel pushing you towards the rocks and tries to take you around the headland."
The hot weather and busy beaches have led the RNLI to issue a safety warning to sun-seekers.
Mr Uren said: "I would urge beach goers to head to a beach with RNLI lifeguard cover, so they can swim or bodyboard between the red and yellow flags where the lifeguards patrol. Heed the lifeguards' advice and if using equipment, make sure it's in a sea-worthy condition, and you are using it correctly.
Mr Ward added: "We'd advise anyone going in the water once the lifeguards have finished for the day, to take note of the signage at the entrance to the beach. People should always consider their abilities and carefully assess the sea conditions before deciding whether to go in to the sea. If visiting an area where you don't know the beach well, ask the local surfers and other water users for advice or contact the nearest RNLI lifeboat station."
