💔 A Paddle That Could’ve Ended in Silence 💔
A few days ago, my mate (Neil Armstong Boast) suffered a heart attack mid-paddle while enjoying a dual kayak paddle with his friend Paul, on the Deben Estuary. He lost consciousness. Capsized. Out cold in the water.
He was only saved because he was wearing a buoyancy aid.
Paul—his paddling partner and quick-thinking legend—dragged him up a muddy slipway using the BA straps, got him into the recovery position, and called for help. The paramedics got him to hospital in time. He’s now recovering and already vowing to come back stronger.
Let’s break this down:
🚨 Unconscious in water?
If you’re not wearing a BA, you don’t float. You sink.
💪 Your mates can’t drag you out of the water easily without something to grab onto. A BA isn’t just floatation—it’s a rescue tool.
📱 A phone in a waterproof pouch is your lifeline. No phone = no help = no second chance.
The day before, they were 8km offshore. What if it had happened then?
Please, please don’t be casual about this stuff:
Always wear your BA
- Always carry a phone in a waterproof pouch
- Never assume you’re too fit, too skilled, or “just going for a short one”
- This was a wake-up call from someone who nearly didn’t wake up at all. Don’t wait for your own.
The Captains Note
"To my mate—heal up quick. And to Paul—thank you for being the guy we all hope we’d have on board when it goes sideways."
Why not plan ahead and book on to a Rescue and Safety training course, (PSRC) its not just about you, its about looking after your mates when you are out there. Please feel free to contact me and i will happily guide you to the right people"
Stay safe, be wise, plan ahead
The Captain Baldie
#WearYourBA #PaddleSafe #SaveLives #CallForHelpNotRegrets
Picture: - Neil Armstrong Boast