Rescued kayaker thanks 'amazing' RNLI

A 32-year-old woman got into trouble in North Devon at the weekend

An injured kayaker has thanked the ‘amazing’ RNLI crew who helped rescue her at the weekend.

Jenny-Marie Taylor from Barnstaple damaged her knee while launching into a large wave on Saturday afternoon at Sandy Cove.

The 32-year-old said she "went unconscious" before the crew arrived to rescue her and a friend.

They put her on a stretcher on the lifeboat, before she was then taken to hospital.

Jenny-Marie, who is now recovering, later said in a message to the service: “My kayak was turned over and I badly hurt my knee and was in a lot of pain, I couldn't even stand and I went into shock, but I have never met people more professional in the whole of my life.

“I just want to thank you for everything you did for me from the point of getting to me, to the point I went unconscious, you were amazing and we're so lucky to have people like you that save lives every day. I will be forever grateful.”

Ilfracombe Volunteer Coxswain Andrew Bengey said: “Kayaking is becoming an increasingly popular sport and many people enjoy exploring the beautiful North Devon coastline.

“However, we strongly recommend that when out kayaking you always carry a means of calling for help and make sure that it is accessible.

“Thankfully the kayakers were able to call for help and we were able to get to the casualty very quickly.”