Barry Dock RNLI volunteer crew were tasked at 4.47pm on Tuesday (7 April) after several 999 calls reported a kitesurfer in trouble off Friars Point. The kitesurfer had entered the water at Watchtower Bay and was being pulled along the coast between Nell’s Point and Friars Point, clearly visible to people on the packed beaches, who saw him signalling for help.
HM Coastguard requested the launch of Barry Dock RNLI’s D class inshore lifeboat, with the station’s all-weather lifeboat also tasked to assist. One of the charity’s own volunteer crew members, Jen, was on the beach at the time and stayed on the phone with the Coastguard, helping to pinpoint the casualty’s location and give real-time updates.
As the inshore lifeboat approached, the kitesurfer managed to self-rescue to Whitmore Bay. The lifeboat crew checked he was safe and well – and in a twist that underlined the close-knit nature of the local community, inshore lifeboat helm Chris White realised the casualty was his best friend, Jon.
Crew members Kris, Ben and Chris ensured Jon was safe before taking him by lifeboat back to Watchtower Bay. Although uninjured, he was said to be tired after working hard to get himself ashore.
Chris said the incident showed how quickly conditions on the water can change and praised members of the public for calling 999 as soon as they saw someone in difficulty. He also stressed the importance of wearing the right safety kit and staying with your equipment, which helped rescuers and those on shore to keep sight of Jon.
Jon said he was grateful for the swift response from the public, the Coastguard and RNLI crews. He said being able to communicate via his watch while in the water helped keep him calm as he knew help was on the way, adding that a change in the tide meant he ended up off Whitmore Bay rather than being swept towards the Knap.
Jon had been wearing appropriate safety gear and kept hold of his board when he first ran into difficulty, using it as a large, highly visible float. This made it easier for rescuers and people on the beach to track his position until he could make it back to shore.
Barry Dock RNLI has thanked everyone on the beach who raised the alarm and those who kept eyes on the casualty. Lifeboat operations manager Bill Kitchen said their quick actions meant help was sent without delay and showed how looking out for each other at the coast can make a crucial difference.
The incident ended with a successful outcome for all involved, with Jon safely returned to Watchtower Bay before the inshore lifeboat went back to station to prepare for its next call.
