Young Boy Assists Grandad After Kayak Capsizes Off Vale Coast
On 27 May, an eight-year-old boy named Marley helped rescue his grandad, David "Dai" Jones, after their kayak capsized and drifted more than two miles (3km) from the coast near Fontygary, in the Vale of Glamorgan.
During their kayaking trip, the pair capsized and were unable to reboard the kayak. Dai managed to assist Marley back onto the kayak, but he himself remained in the water, holding on as they were carried by the strong currents of the Bristol Channel.
Despite the challenging and frightening circumstances, Marley stayed composed and used a mobile phone stored in a waterproof pouch to contact his nan on shore, who promptly called emergency services.
Following the alert, Barry Dock RNLI launched their inshore lifeboat towards Limpet Bay to conduct the rescue operation.
"I was getting tired and cold and there was a point where I wasn't sure I'd make it," Dai recalled. "But I was trying to stay positive and keep calm for Marley because I didn't want him to be frightened. Seeing the lifeboat arrive was a huge relief."
By the time the lifeboat crew reached them, Marley and Dai had drifted approximately two-and-a-half miles in about 25 minutes, moving from Fontygary Steps to near the Cason by Aberthaw.
Both were wearing life jackets and were safely recovered along with their kayak. They were then returned to shore and handed over to Coastguard volunteers.
Although the weather conditions were warm and sunny, the RNLI noted that sea temperatures off the Vale coastline were around 11°C to 12°C.
Recognition for Marley’s Calmness and Courage
A few days after the incident, Dai, Marley, and Marley’s father, Joe, visited Barry Dock RNLI Lifeboat Station. During the visit, Marley was awarded a special medal acknowledging the "calmness, courage and maturity" he demonstrated during the event.
Marley described the moment he contacted his nan:
"When I called my nan, I told her I was okay, but granscha looked like he was drowning and we needed help," Marley said. "I was really happy when the lifeboat arrived - I thought PHEW!"
He also shared his experience at the lifeboat station:
"When I visited the lifeboat station afterwards, the crew taught me about float to live."
RNLI Praises Marley and Dai’s Actions
Andy, the helm of the inshore lifeboat, commended the pair for their response during the emergency.
"Marley and Dai had done exactly the right things by wearing life jackets, staying with the kayak and calling for help," he said. "I'd particularly like to praise Marley. He remained incredibly calm throughout the incident.
"In what must have been a frightening situation...he showed real maturity and stayed level-headed throughout.
"We're really pleased this incident ended safely and it was great to meet everybody at the lifeboat station because we don't often get the chance to chat to the people we rescue."
Dai expressed his gratitude towards the RNLI volunteers:
"The crew were absolutely brilliant and looked after both of us from start to finish," he said. "To be honest, I genuinely don't think I'd be here today without them.
"Meeting the crew afterwards and being able to thank them in person meant a lot to both of us. Marley was so proud to receive his medal and we'll never forget it."
