Kayaker rescued thanks to good planning and preparation
At 12:16pm today, Friday 4th March 2022, crews from Brecon and Llandrindod Wells were mobilised to a water rescue on the River Usk near Brecon Promenade.
A kayaker had got into difficulty on the water and was rescued by a fellow kayaker before the arrival of the Fire Service.
Fire crews provided first aid to the casualty and left the incident at 01:02pm.
Station Manager Neil Evans, Deputy Head of Community Safety for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service said “This incident could have ended very badly had it not been for the meticulous planning of the group of people who went kayaking on the river today.
The woman who fell into the water was part of an organised group and took part in this water activity as a group, so if one person gets into trouble, others can react. Her friend carried a mobile phone, within a waterproof sleeve, and was able to call 999 at the first sign of trouble, which allowed the emergency services to be on scene within minutes.
This incident has highlighted the importance of wearing a personal floatation device (PFD) and, also, how important it is to plan, prepare and go with a group of people when taking part in any open water activity.”
For further open water safety information, please visit the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service water safety page on its website https://www.mawwfire.gov.uk/eng/your-safety/water-safety/stand-up-paddleboarding-kayaking-and-canoeing/
