Lifejackets made the difference between a search and a recovery

Two kayakers were safely rescued from the water off Stanmore Bay on Saturday, with lifejackets and having a phone to call for help making all the difference.

The pair became separated from their group in deteriorating conditions as they paddled from Martins Bay to Manly Beach on Saturday morning. Thankfully they were able to make a brief phone call to the group and give their approximate location.

Coastguard Hibiscus volunteers aboard Hibiscus Rescue 2 and the New Zealand Police Eagle helicopter immediately made their way to the search area, before the helicopter found the pair in the water.

“Wearing lifejackets made the difference between this being a search and a recovery,” says Coastguard Hibiscus Skipper David Maritz.

“The fact they had a phone in a dry bag meant they could be found fairly quickly.”

Coastguard encourages all boaties and kayakers to be prepared when going out on the water:

- Always wear a lifejacket

- Take two forms of waterproof communication

- Check the long-range marine forecast

- Tell someone when to expect you home, or log a trip report on the Coastguard app.