An eight-year-old boy in Wales is being recognized after helping save his grandfather when their kayak capsized in the Bristol Channel. Marley Jones and his grandfather, David “Dai” Jones, were kayaking near Fontygary in the Vale of Glamorgan when the vessel overturned, leaving Dai unable to climb back aboard after helping Marley get back onto the kayak.
As the pair drifted about two-and-a-half miles from shore in less than 30 minutes, Marley kept his cool and used a cell phone stored in a waterproof bag to call his grandmother. She contacted emergency services, and the HM Coastguard requested assistance from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, which launched a lifeboat to rescue them. Dai later said he was becoming tired and cold and was unsure whether he would make it, while trying to remain calm for his grandson.
The pair were brought safely back to shore and treated by Coastguard volunteers. A few days later, Marley, Dai and Marley’s father visited the lifeboat station, where Marley received a bravery medal for his actions and was taught some water safety techniques. RNLI officials say the boy showed maturity throughout the incident and they note that both he and his grandfather had been wearing lifejackets, carried a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch, called for help, and stayed with the kayak, all steps that led to a successful outcome.
Source: PEOPLE