Be prepared if you're taking to the sea

Safety advice issued as strong offshore wind impacts Island

A minimum is 'better than nothing' when it comes to safety at sea.

That's the advice from the experts at RYA (Royal Yachting Association) Recognised Training Centre, 7th Wave, which is based in Port Erin.

They say VHF radios, which enable clear communications between those at sea and those onshore, should be seen as the gold standard, but that those taking to sea on the likes of paddle boards and kayaks should at least carry their phones in waterproof bags.

On Monday (25 May) Port St Mary RNLI were scrambled to rescue two kayakers who came into difficulty off Langness.

They had launched from Derbyhaven bay, but 'after leaving the shelter of the bay experienced strong tidal currents running along the coastline and could not make progress against the tide'.

In Port Erin today (Wednesday 27 May), the sea looks flat, but there is again a strong offshore wind impacting the area.

Jen Kneale runs 7th Wave and has this advice for those looking to be adventurous in the sun: