A MAN from Corfe Mullen helped rescue two kayakers stuck in 20ft waves off Old Harry Rocks who had become exhausted.

David Gander, 49, from Corfe Mullen helped rescue kayakers off Old Harry Rocks on August 11 at around 4pm after receiving a call on his radio that the kayakers were in danger. 

Described as a 'hairy' situation, David was able to speed over to the site in his rib with his partner, Coral Williams, and assisted Swanage RNLI in getting the kayakers to safety.

David said: "We were at Studland Bay just out in the open and there was another rib that came through on the radio and he responded to the incident so we hammered on over there and it was quite hairy. 

"There was quite a rip at the rocks and the kayakers were kitted up with very good safety gear but they looked a bit more professional than real amateurs. 

"One managed to get back into the kayak and tow the other kayak but the other two were in the water."

David and the RNLI managed to rescue the kayakers and then radioed the Coastguard to inform them they had been recovered.

Exhausted from fighting the waves, David said he was just happy to help and even went on to save two more kayakers from making the same mistake. 

He said: "They were just exhausted. I'm sure that they said thank you at the time but I didn't take notice because of the adrenaline rush.

"Funnily enough, as we went around the sheltered area, there was a father and a son kayaking who were planning to head to Old Harry's Rocks and I just warned them. 

"They turned around and so hopefully we saved another two lives."

David's rib had spent recent months undergoing repairs and, coincidentally, this had been the first time he and Coral had been able to take the rib out since.

A spokesperson for the Coastguard said: "At around 3.30pm on Sunday 11 August, HM Coastguard received a report of two kayakers in difficulties off Old Harry Rocks, near Swanage.

"Swanage RNLI Lifeboats were called to attend the scene, alongside a vessel in the vicinity at the time. Both kayakers were recovered to safety with no further assistance required"