The Tasmania Police vessel Sentinel manned by members of Western District Police today successfully rescued two youths that were experiencing difficulty while kayaking on the Mersey River.

The two males were struggling to stay within the sheltered waters near the Spirit of Tasmania and contacted police for assistance. At that time the winds in that area were gusting at around 40 knots and the conditions were poor.

Police were alerted just before 2pm and by 2:20pm both Kayakers were safely rescued. They were shaken and cold but did not require medical assistance, they were assisted by family members.

Acting Sergeant Scott Poke said “The importance of proper use of safety equipment in all vessels, in all waters should not be overlooked. As with safety on our roads, safety on the water is everybody’s business”