A kayaking group practicing a capsize drill yesterday afternoon, sparked an emergency response.

Both Fishguard RNLI and the town’s coast guard team were paged at around 1.53pm on September 12, following reports of a kayaker in difficulty.

A member of the public contacted Fishguard lifeboat station to say that four kayakers were in the vicinity of Fishguard Fort, with one was in the water who appeared to be having difficulty in recovering themselves back into their kayak.

Fishguard’s volunteer crew launched the charity's D class inshore lifeboat Edward Arthur Richardson.

HM Coastguard was updated from the station and requested HM Coastguard Fishguard also attend the scene.

The lifeboat made best speed to the area and made contact with the casualty. Following a brief conversation with the kayakers it was established that they were an organised group conducting capsize and self-recovery drills and did not require any assistance from the lifeboat crew.

With this information relayed to HM Coastguard the lifeboat returned to station where it was refuelled and made ready again for service.

Volunteer lifeboat press officer for Fishguard RNLI, Cedwyn Rogers, said: “From the initial report received, and particularly given the weather and sea conditions at the time it appeared that someone could have been in genuine danger in the water.

“Thankfully on this occasion they were simply practicing for a situation they could find themselves in whilst at sea.

“If conducting activities which could be construed as a genuine emergency we advise this information and contact details be logged with HM Coastguard, who can attempt to contact the group if they receive a report of someone in distress.

“We would also like to remind anyone who sees someone they believe to be in difficulty around the coast to please call 999 or 112 and ask for Coastguard.”