WATCH: Kayaker rescued off Shoalwater prompting safety message

Wednesday, 18 September 2024 12:15

By Monique Welhan

The man was rescued after spending five hours on his kayak with no supplies. PIC: WA Police

WA Police are urging people heading out onto the water, whether they are in a boat or kayak, to make sure they carry an emergency locator beacon (EPIRB).

It comes after a distressed kayaker was rescued off Shoalwater on Sunday, September 15 after a large-scale search.

The alarm was raised by a member of the public after the 44-year-old set off on his kayak to go fishing between Seal Island and Point Peron around 3.30pm but failed to return later that night.

The man had no phone, safety equipment, food or water on board his kayak.

"Following communications between Fremantle Water Police, Rockingham Police, Police Air Wing and DFES Marine Rescue Rockingham, a search operation commenced," a WA Police spokesperson said.

"About 8.30pm, the man was located at sea by Police Air Wing, who directed a Fremantle Water Police vessel to his location."

He was taken to Point Peron boat ramp where he was assessed by St John paramedics.

Luckily, he was not injured.

"The incident is a timely reminder for those heading out on the water, even if using small watercraft, to carry an EPIRB to alert authorities to emergency situations," the WA Police spokesperson said.

"A registered beacon allows AMSA Search and Rescue to phone your emergency contacts and look up important information to initiate a response as soon as possible."

An unregistered beacon can cause a delay in the response. EPIRBs can be registered on the AMSA website - https://www.beacons.amsa.gov.au/