RNLI LIFEBOAT crew were called to the Thames near Kingston yesterday after a kayaker capsized near the top of Teddington Lock weir.

The kayaker swam to safety but lost his boat to the fast-flowing water in the incident which happened at 1.50pm.

His narrow escape prompted the lifeboat service to warn river users to take extra care at this part of the lock.

In a tweet yesterday (22 February) the lifeboat station said: "Volunteer crew paged at 1350 to kayaker who had capsized near top of Teddington weir.

"Fortunately he was able to swim to bank but kayak was sucked under water at top of weir.

"Please remember to take extra care by weirs - if you get into difficulty dial 999 and ask for coastguard."

Five years ago, the lifeboat crew were called to the weir to help a kayaker who had also capsized near the top of the weir.

The rescue involved two boats, one above the weir by the gates to help the stranded kayaker and one 10 metres below in case he fell.

Heroic lifeboat crew managed to rescue the kayaker from this position and he was uninjured, aside from being freezing cold. His boat was also recovered.

Teddington weir is the largest on the Thames and has a high flow-rate.

The RNLI lifeboat crew warn that it is the most dangerous hazard river users face and have two lifeboats primarily used to deal with incidents here.

Find out more about Teddington Lock & Weir in this article by lifeboat crew member Gianna Saccomani.

If you see someone in trouble in the water, dial 999 and ask for the coastguard. Don't assume someone else has called for help.

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