Portrush RNLI Responds to Kayakers in Difficulty at White Rocks
Sunday 4 October 2026
Portrush RNLI’s inshore lifeboat, The Ken Blair, was launched by the Coastguard on Sunday afternoon following reports of two kayakers in difficulty off the White Rocks, Portrush.
The volunteer crew was requested to launch at 12.36pm after concerns were raised for the two people, who had entered the water from the White Rocks in an inflatable kayak.
The pair had begun to drift in the direction of Dunluce Castle and were experiencing difficulty making progress back towards the shore. Their friends, who were watching from land, became concerned and contacted the Coastguard.
The Ken Blair and her volunteer crew arrived on scene at 12.58pm. Although weather conditions were generally good, an offshore south-westerly wind was making conditions challenging for the kayakers and had contributed to their lack of progress.
The lifeboat crew established contact with the two people and found that, while tired, both were safe and well. Importantly, they were wearing lifejackets.
The volunteers provided advice on returning safely to shore and continued to monitor the pair as they made their way back to land. Once safely ashore, they were handed over to the Coastguard team who had been waiting on shore. No casualty care was required.
Portrush RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer Judy Nelson said:
“Although weather conditions were fair today, the wind conditions were against the kayakers, making it difficult for them to make progress back to shore.
“They were wearing lifejackets and their friends did the right thing in alerting the Coastguard when they became concerned. Otherwise, this could have been a very different scenario.
“The RNLI has excellent advice about staying safe in and on the water, which can be accessed via the RNLI website.”
Following the successful rescue, The Ken Blair returned to Portrush RNLI station, where the volunteer crew refuelled the lifeboat and made her ready for the next call.
The incident is a timely reminder that even in fair weather, wind and sea conditions can quickly make it difficult for those using the water to return to shore. Wearing a lifejacket and raising the alarm early when someone is in difficulty can make all the difference.
