The emergency services are reminding anyone taking to the water to be prepared after two kayakers – neither wearing lifejackets – had to be rescued from off Le Rocque on Monday morning.
The two males, both in their early 30s, were brought to safety by the Jersey Fire & Rescue Service inshore rescue boat. They had no VHF radio or emergency equipment such as flares and only had one mobile phone to raise the alarm.
The Fire and Rescue Service crew found the men around 500 metres from Seymour slip.
Jersey Coastguard’s Aaron Gavey, said: “Fortunately there were no casualties as a result of this incident but it does once again highlight the need for anyone taking part in water sports to take the necessary precautions and, in particular, wear a lifejacket and have an appropriate method of contacting help ashore.
"These guys just saw it was a nice day so went out. One was wearing a wetsuit and had a mobile phone in a waterproof wallet but the other was just wearing shorts and a T-shirt. Unfortunately he fell in and couldn't get back into his kayak. He became very cold and tired while his friend became exhausted trying to help him. Soon they realised they had drifted along the coast so called for help on the phone.
"They had told someone they were on the water so they were half-way there but we would strongly recommend carrying a VHF radio - which is far more robust and reliable. Also, I would suggest kayakers go on our website and register their craft with us."
For more information on registering your craft, please visit the Ports of Jersey website.
The Royal Yachting Association also advises:
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