The team was on scene within minutes of being paged, but as they approached the location it became apparent that the lady had been pulled from the water by some passers by - well done and thanks to the couple in a canoe and a couple out walking their dogs. The team was asked to stand down as the lady was safely ashore but instead chose to carry on, find her and check her welfare.
On arrival the lady was shaken from the events that had just unfolded, so the team calmed her down and checked that she was OK. Safety advice was given and a discussion took place about planning routes, informing the Coastguard when on passage, flares and radios. For the second time in as many days, the casualty was surprised that there were no signs warning her of the dangers of strong tides at that location. The team gently pointed out the Ledge Buoy marking the end of the rocks and the line of breaking white water out to it and said that to someone familiar with seas that ought to be a warning sign in itself.
Once the lady was happy to continue, it was agreed that she'd be better off staying in the bay and the team helped move the kayak and launch it in a safer location. A route was agreed along the shore, under the pier and back into the bay and accompanied by the couple in the kayak, she set off.
The team monitored her from the Coastguard Rescue Vehicle and once the lady had reached the main beach the team once again checked for her welfare before returning to base.
So it isn't all search and rescue. Sometimes, its advice, guidance and prevention too.
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