The pair got into difficulty near Aberthaw on the Vale of Glamorgan coastline on Wednesday, May 27, and were unable to get back onboard their craft after it repeatedly capsized.
Barry Dock RNLI volunteers launched a D-class inshore lifeboat after being tasked by HM Coastguard.
Andy, helm of the D-class lifeboat, said: “Even when people are experienced and prepared, things can go wrong very quickly at sea, particularly in the Bristol Channel where the tides and currents are extremely powerful.
“This incident highlights the importance of wearing the correct safety equipment and carrying a means of calling for help, but it also shows the value of making good decisions when things don’t go to plan.
“The casualties did exactly the right things. They were both wearing lifejackets, they had a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch, they called for help when they realised they were unable to get back onboard and return safely to shore, and they stayed with their kayak.
“Staying with the kayak made them much easier for the lifeboat crew to spot, while calling for help early meant assistance could be launched before the situation became more serious.
“All of those actions played an important part in bringing this incident to a safe outcome.”
The crew – Andy, Ben, Gerwyn, and Kris – made their way to Limpet Bay, where they found that one casualty was sitting on top of the kayak while the other remained in the water, unable to re-board.
Despite warm weather, sea temperatures remain around 11–12°C, and the casualty in the water was described as tired and cold after spending a prolonged period in the sea.
The pair had drifted roughly two and a half miles from Ffontygary steps to just off the Cason in that time.
Both casualties were wearing lifejackets and one had a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch, which they used to contact someone ashore who then called 999 for help.
They were safely recovered onto the lifeboat with their kayak and returned to shore, where they were handed over to HM Coastguard.
Andy said: “We’re really pleased this incident ended safely and would like to thank all of our volunteer crew who responded.”
Barry Dock RNLI is reminding anyone heading out on the water to wear suitable safety equipment, carry a means of communication, and check weather and tide conditions before setting off.
