A Swanage pedalo hire company owner has sworn never to forget his kill cord again after large waves scuppered a rescue attempt
Swanage beach was the site of a dramatic rescue attempt over the weekend (9 August) after a motorboat skipper fell into the water while trying to rescue a child being swept out to sea.
Carlo Wiggins had leapt into his Dorey motorboat to stop a child in a kayak from drifting too far from the shore.
However, in his rush the local pedalo hire company owner forgot to attach his kill cord or put on a lifejacket, decisions which later proved costly.
The Dorey was battered by high waves that threw Mr Wiggins into the water, leaving the vessel out of control and circling.
After a call to the Coastguard, Carlo’s father Barry arrived on the scene in a pedalo and, with the help of jetski rider Justin Streams, was able to rescue Carlo and switch off the motorboat’s throttle.
Later Carlo told the Bournemouth Echo that he had learned “a valuable lesson”:
“Whatever the emergency situation you have always got to make time for your safety procedures or you could actually make the situation worse.
“I’ll never ever not wear that kill cord again – even if I’m pottering out somewhere.”
A statement released by the Coastguard echoed his sentiment; with Portland watch manager Cindy Rodaway adding:
“All owners and drivers of open powerboats, personal watercraft and RIBs should ensure that if their boat is fitted with a kill switch and kill cord, it is correctly used.
“On a powerboat the kill cord should be attached securely around the thigh and on a personal watercraft it should be attached to the buoyancy aid.
“We are very relieved that everyone is safe and well and that there are no injuries resulting from this incident.”
