Police issue warning after kayakers rescued on Llyn Tegid in Bala

Officers are warning people to take care in and around water after two people had to be helped to shore after becoming stranded in Llyn Tegid during the early hours of Sunday morning.

Shortly before 2.30am North Wales Police were called by someone who was concerned for two of his friends who had gone out onto the lake in an inflatable kayak and who had not been seen for 90 minutes.

Officers made their way to the area, and were also assisted by the police helicopter, which was nearby dealing with a separate incident.

The man and the woman, who are both aged in their 20s, had arrived at the lake with a group of friends and both decided to go out onto the lake without life jackets or mobile phones.

There was also a suggestion that the group had been drinking alcohol.

The remaining friends who were on the shore raised the alarm as they had not seen or heard from their friends for 90 minutes.

The helicopter from the National Police Air Service (NPAS) conducted a search of the lake in readiness for the Coastguard helicopter.

Fortunately, within around 20 minutes the two individuals were found, approximately 500m from the shore.

The helicopter shone a light on them and monitored their progress as they paddled back to the shore where they were given stern words of advice from the attending officers.

Gwynedd South District Inspector Lisa Jones said: “We all know that kayaking is one of the best ways to enjoy the wonders of the water – however not in darkness, after you’ve had alcohol and going out without a life jacket and a mobile phone.

“The pair are extremely lucky that this didn’t turn into tragedy.

“Sadly, there have been numerous near misses and fatalities across the UK involving water and each death represents a widescale tragedy for the families and friends of those who have died.

“In fact, the helicopter crew who attended this incident were part of the crew who recently attended the River Dee in Chester where tragically a 16-year-old male died.

“With many more people visiting our region for their holidays, and with the increased popularity of kayaks and paddle boards, we are urging everyone to be responsible and to take extra care when out on the water.”

Further advice regarding kayak and paddle board safety is available via the RNLI website.