03 June 2010
The States of Jersey Fire and Rescue inshore rescue boat was launched on Monday evening to rescue a stranded kayaker from rocks at Ouaisne.
The kayaker was thrown from his sit-on-top kayak when a wave hit him side-on. Although he was with another person, neither of them had a mobile phone or VHF. This meant that the other kayaker had to return to shore to raise the alarm.
Due to the fast reactions of the States of Jersey Fire and Rescue Service, the kayaker didn’t receive any life threatening injuries and was treated at the scene for cuts and grazes.
Captain Rick Masterman of Jersey Coastguard said “This recent incident serves as a pertinent reminder to pleasure craft users of the need for carrying appropriate safety equipment. As a minimum we recommended a VHF radio, along with parachute and hand flares. All electronic equipment should have enough battery life for the duration of your journey. And of course you should always remember to plan your trip, check the weather and tides and always remember to let someone ashore know where you are going and when you are due back.
"On this occasion the incident happened close to the shore, but we are seeing more and more kayakers venturing further afield, which emphasises the need to have appropriate safety equipment with them.”
Owners of kayaks, canoes and rowing boats are also reminded of the need to register their craft. This can be done with the Jersey Surf Kayak Club. All craft and their paddles should be marked with the owner's details, which will help to identify any unmanned craft and also repatriate lost equipment to its rightful owner.
gov.je