The UK Coastguard requested the launch after receiving a call from a member of the public reporting a kayaker appeared to be in difficulties 500-metres offshore from Danefield Road on the west side of Selsey.
The inshore Lifeboat launched at 3.00 p.m. and headed west around the Bill and at 3.02pm arrived on scene with one male on a kayak. After speaking to the casualty it was clear he was not in trouble. He said he was happy playing in the choppy waters in the vicinity of Kirk Arrow shingle bank. He was well equipped with helmet, wetsuit, buoyancy aids etc. and very apologetic for getting a Lifeboat launched.
The weather on scene was wind east northeast force 4, sea state moderate in heavy rain showers. After informing the UK Coastguard that the kayaker was happy, the inshore Lifeboat was released to return to station with this incident treated as a false alarm with good intent. The inshore Lifeboat returned to station at 3.05 p.m. and was recovered straight away, washed down, refuelled and made ready for service.
CREW: Sam Corcoran-Smith (Helmsman), Harry Emmence and Neil Hopcraft.