G'day raiders,
Just now this afternoon, instead of sitting on the beach with my kids, I had to come to the aid of 3 kayakers that were way out of their depth and knowledge. With the wind strong and the swell up, I noticed these yakkers leave the beach and head towards the ocean, in no time at all 2 had capsized and the 3rd was trying to help both. I watched for about 5 mins and could no longer see the one that was in the blue yak. The red one was getting sucked out towards a bommie. I was at least 10mins walk away along the rocks but had a feeling I had to help. So off I set and told the mrs if I signal her to call police rescue. I arrived to two young ladies almost pounded onto the stones. One managed to get up and I helped the other. I noticed neither had a life jacket and I asked if they were ok. That both replied "exhausted but ok". One was shaken up and went straight to the car and her friend told me she couldn't swim! OMG, are you kidding. My attention now turned to the third, he managed to make it half way back but was completely exhausted. I stayed within swimming distance until he was at the safety of the shore!
I'm pretty sure they have learnt their lesson but to be honest, the difference between trial and tragedy is a very fine line. I dare say they probably would have made it even if I wasn't there but this incident just left me shaking my head!
Know your limits!
Take into account the conditions!
And wear a freaking LIFE JACKET when traveling over 100m off the shoreline, it's the LAW!
Rant over.
Cheers scratchie!!!