Today did not go well. Although paddling on our local waters of Swanage Bay, Heather and I found ourselves in big trouble. We encountered a two metre swell, Force 6 winds and driving rain, with the conditions deteriorating. We became separated and before we could regroup, a failed roll saw me swimming alongside my kayak.
The water was cold and I was glad I had worn my drysuit as the minutes passed and I drifted on the tide. Thankfully help eventually came in the form of the Swanage Lifeboat, looming and lurching huge in the swell above me. A lifeboatman jumped in and assisted me, whilst the lifeboat manoeuvred into position. Shivering, I was swum into a harness and then - still lying down - carefully raised aboard to the safety of the deck.
The crew then tried to extract my kayak, but with the weather worsening, it was decided that it was too heavy and unwieldy to waste time and take unnecessary risks over. It was abandoned to be retrieved by the inshore lifeboat, a smaller RIB.
A second inshore lifeboat came alongside; it had located and rescued Heather from the water. She joined us on deck. It was a great relief to both be safe and heading for home.
This exercise was an opportunity for Swanage Lifeboat to practice their search and rescue routines, and also to learn more about kayakers and kayaks. Thanks to John Gilmour for organising the exercise and inviting us along.
If you are as impressed as we were by the skill, dedication and bravery of the RNLI’s volunteers, then please consider contributing.
I nearly lost my breakfast.
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