A heroic 8-year-old helped save his grandfather from drowning after their kayak capsized. (Barry Dock RNLI)
An 8-year-old boy is being praised for his heroic actions in helping save his grandfather from drowning after their kayak capsized.
Marley and his grandfather, David ‘Dai’ Jones, were said to be enjoying a vacation last month in Wales when they decided to take their kayak out onto the water.
However, their kayak ended up capsizing, and they found themselves unable to get back on board.
Jones then helped Marley back onto the kayak, but he was unable to climb back on himself.
The pair then reportedly drifted in powerful Bristol Channel currents, where Jones had to remain in the water holding onto the kayak.
“I was getting tired and cold, and there was a point where I wasn’t sure I’d make it. But I was trying to stay positive and keep calm for Marley because I didn’t want him to be frightened,” Jones shared in an interview.
Despite the situation, rescuers said Marley remained calm and used a cell phone that was stored in a waterproof pouch to contact his grandmother, who immediately called first responders.
Barry Dock RNLI’s lifeboat was launched to find Marley and Jones.
By the time the lifeboat arrived, rescuers said the pair had already drifted about 2.5 miles away from the shore in less than 30 minutes. The powerful tides and currents had carried them a considerable distance from where they entered the water.
Marley was found sitting on top of the kayak, while Jones was still in the water, appearing to be tired and cold, first responders said.
Although the weather was warm that day, sea temperatures were reported to be just above 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
The grandson and grandfather were taken in by rescuers and safely returned to shore.
“Marley and Dai did exactly the right things when they found themselves in difficulty. They were both wearing life jackets; they had a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch; they called for help when they realized they were unable to get safely back to shore, and they stayed with the kayak,” Andy, helm of the D-class inshore lifeboat, said.
A few days after the rescue, Marley, along with his father and Jones, was invited to visit Barry Dock RNLI Lifeboat Station to meet the volunteer crew involved in the rescue.
During the visit, Marley was presented with a special medal to recognize the “calmness, courage and maturity” he showed that day.
The crew also took Marley and his family on board the station’s all-weather lifeboats and gave them a tour of the station.