Young couple issue warning to others after jet ski incident

Sebastian Pixley, 23, and Kyra Farnum, 19, were picked up by a fishing vessel before being assisted by Mudeford RNLI in May this year.

Their jet ski – which they’d taken out for the first time this year - cut out completely near Hengistbury Head and due to the high winds that day the pair struggled to get back on board.

Kyra and Sebastian had been in the water for approximately 30 minutes and Sebastian was showing signs of hypothermia and reduced consciousness.

Kyra said: ‘We were terrified no one was going to notice us. When we got onto the fishing boat, Seb started to have symptoms of hypothermia.

‘His face was going blue and he was passing out. He couldn't talk, he was shivering.

‘They called 999 for the RNLI, who got to us in about 30 seconds and started to assess us.

‘Seb couldn’t talk, he just kept passing out.

‘They quickly put us on the lifeboat and took us back. The crew were so caring and helped us to get back into kind of a normal state. It was pretty scary.’

Sebastian had taken his phone in a waterproof case but unfortunately during the incident it had become lost. Both Sebastian and Kyra are also familiar with the water and Sebastian is trained in lifesaving personal survival.

Sebastian said: ‘I just had to keep calm as I could. In that situation, if you get yourself worked up and panic, you're wearing yourself out quicker.

‘I was getting quite tired and I was freezing because I was just in swim shorts.

‘It had been really hot by the car when we left but obviously it wasn't that warm far out into the sea.’

Mudeford RNLI’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat, Henrietta H, took the pair back to the lifeboat station to carry out initial casualty care and before handing them over to the ambulance service.

Sebastian said: ‘I’d really recommend for anyone thinking of going in the sea at this time of year to definitely wear a wetsuit because the water is no joke.

‘The crew said to us the water is still cold early in the Summer, although the weather is warming up. Bring not just a phone but also a waterproof pouch and a VHF radio in case it does drop in the water or you lose it.

‘Go out with a few people to keep an eye on you as well. Try to be in an area where there are other people so you can attract attention if it does go wrong.

‘You never think it’s going to happen to you but it can happen to anyone.’

Mudeford RNLI volunteer Helm, Andy Read, said: ‘I’m so glad this incident had a positive ending for Sebastian and Kyra.

‘It was a team effort between the crew and the fishing vessel involved to get them the help they needed as quickly as possible.

‘At this time of year we do see an increase in these types of incidents so we’d also remind everyone to take a means of communication, wear a lifejacket and tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back.’

Sebastian added: ‘We’re so grateful that the RNLI were there so quickly. They helped us and reassured us. We found out after that they were volunteers and that makes us even more thankful.

‘It’s opened my eyes to how amazing they are and how many lives they save.’

Notes to editors:

RNLI safety advice for personal water craft:

• Always wear a personal flotation device. Stay with your craft in an emergency, it will keep you afloat and easy to locate. Make sure you are also wearing suitable clothing forthe forecasted conditions.

• Always carry a means of calling for help on your person. You must be able to reach it easily in an emergency. If it can’t be reached, it’s no help.

• Develop your skills. Contact your national governing body, club or watersports activity centre to find out which training is best for your needs.

• Tell someone else where you’re going and when you’ll be back. They can raise the alarm with the coastguard by calling 999 or 112 if you are overdue.

• Always check the forecast and tide times. Don’t get caught out by the conditions.

• Ensure your engine is well maintained. Always carry adequate tools and spares to fix any problems you encounter, and ensure you have enough fuel for your journey.

• Always wear a kill cord if fitted and carry a spare.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.