Kayaker rescue in Albany’s King George Sound shows importance of planning and safety equipment

A woman was pulled from King George Sound at the weekend in a rescue that emergency responders say showed the importance of being prepared.

The woman was kayaking in a group of three on Saturday morning when they were hit by a wave.

Two of the kayaks capsized, with a male paddler able to swim to Mistaken Island.

Albany Sea Rescue received a mayday call when the woman, aged in her 60s, disappeared from sight.

Members of the public on a nearby boat spotted the woman and pulled her from the water.

Albany Sea Rescue operations coordinator Chris Johns said the incident showed the importance of being prepared.

“The key here is how quickly things can go from what’s perceived as being a benign beautiful day to really, really serious,” he said.

“They had all the gear and they were wearing it. They had kayaking helmets, life jackets, radios – and it worked.

“Trying to survive while swimming and staying afloat, it doesn’t take long for that to become really serious.

“The beauty of her wearing a lifejacket, it bought her time and these people were able to find her because she’s also floating in a good position.”