A kayaker is thanking the RNLI for saving his life after the charity’s volunteer lifeboat crew pulled him from the waves on Father’s Day last year.
Grandad Glenn Bradley was enjoying the good weather and calm conditions in Cloughey Bay, Co Down, with his wife Jo, on their kayaks when she capsized. Unable to get back on board, Jo swam to shore while Glenn tried to retrieve her boat, which was being blown out to sea by a rapidly increasing offshore wind.
Glenn said: "I was lashing the kayaks together to tow hers back in when I realised the wind had picked up and I was about 400 metres offshore, and I just could not get back in.
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"I waved my paddle left to right in the air to signal to Jo that I was in distress as I was getting blown further and further out."
Realising he was fighting a losing battle, Glenn turned out to sea, spotted a rocky outcrop and made a desperate bid to paddle to it.
He added: "I just thought, 'I’ve got to stay in this boat as long as possible and hope to get rescued,' and I was just stabbing at the water trying to stay afloat when I saw North Rock, put my head down and went for it."
After capsizing in the huge swells 50 metres short of the tiny island, he made it to the shore dragging his kayak behind him and collapsing, exhausted. A volunteer crew from Donaghadee RNLI lifeboat had launched after Jo’s 999 call, and shortly after Glenn made it to North Rock, they arrived.
Glenn was picked up from the waves and returned to shore where his family was waiting – even making it back in time for their Father’s Day meal.
Glenn said: "When I saw those unsung heroes of the RNLI appear on the horizon, I just felt relief. I made it to the restaurant that night, and I’m here to celebrate Father’s Day this year thanks to the RNLI. They saved my life."
An experienced kayaker, Glenn ordinarily would not take to the waves without a lifejacket and a means of calling for help, but, thinking he would be in and out quickly, he had been caught out by the quick change in conditions.
Donaghadee RNLI Coxswain Philip McNamara said: ‘This was a particularly memorable call out on Father’s Day last year, the offshore wind could have caught out many an experienced kayaker or indeed swimmer. Glenn’s experience really did make a difference as he knew exactly what to do.
"Many of the crew are fathers themselves which made it even more poignant that they could help Glenn on such an important day. We were so glad that Glenn’s wife called in the emergency as promptly as she did so that we could get Glenn back to safety. We all hope he enjoys an uneventful Father’s Day this Sunday with all his family.
"As always, we do recommend that if you are thinking about going to sea in a kayak, paddleboard, or canoe, that you check the weather forecast and tide times, you always wear a lifejacket or suitable flotation device and carry a means of communication such as a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch.
"Should you get into difficulty, or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard. Like last year, our crew will be ready and willing to respond to the pager should someone be in need of our help this Father’s Day."
In 2022, RNLI Donaghadee launched 21 times.
The RNLI’s key safety advice for anyone kayaking or canoeing is:
- Take a means of calling for help as part of your kit and keep it on you, within reach, at all times
- Wear a suitable lifejacket or buoyancy aid
- Always check the weather forecast and sea conditions before you set off
- Make sure you have the right skills by taking a training session - British Canoeing or Canoeing Ireland run a range of courses
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