MEMBERS of Bude RNLI have issued a warning to beachgoers after they spent more than three hours searching for an overdue kayaker.

On August 1, at around 12.20am, Bude inshore lifeboat was tasked by Falmouth coastguard to conduct shoreline searches for a kayaker who was overdue and failed to report in at Crackington Haven at the estimated time.

Bude and Boscastle coastguard rescue teams along with Padstow RNLI lifeboat were tasked along with coastguard rescue helicopter 924 and even coastguard rescue helicopter 187 all the way from St Athan in Wales to join the search.

Bude’s inshore lifeboat searched the coast between Bude and Crackington for more than three hours. After running low on fuel, the crew had to return, however, the St Athan helicopter 187 found the individual happily camped up just north of Boscastle.

Liam Sharpe, Bude lifeboat operations manager, said: “With a big turnout and great effort from the crew and a long night of searching, once back on station and refuelled, washed and ready for service most of the crew had finished and left the boathouse around 5.15am and most were up and at work at 8.00am”

Following the incident, the team has issued some guidance to those planning on taking to the water in their kayak or canoe.

Those planning to kayak or canoe in open waters should consider the following guidance:

• Carry a means of calling for help you can reach easily in an emergency, for example a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) or a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch (consider the SafeTrx app). Make sure the batteries are fully charged and consider carrying a backup battery.

• Check the weather forecast and tide times before you leave home.

• Wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) and make sure you are also wearing suitable clothing

• If you're exploring somewhere new, consider asking experienced kayakers or canoeists about the area.

• Tell someone where you’re going and when you’re likely to be back.

• If you get into difficulty, call 999 and ask for the coastguard.