Kayaker clings to tree for rescue

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/wales/north_west/5309758.stm

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A kayaker was rescued from a fast-flowing river in Conwy after grabbing onto a tree branch.

The 23-year-old woman was thrown from her craft after colliding with a tree in the middle of the river at Pont Cyfyng, near Capel Curig.

She was winched to safety by an RAF helicopter, after rescuers had trouble reaching her in the strong current.

The incident happened on Saturday evening near a spot where a teenage boy lost his life recently.

The woman, who had clung onto the branch 15 yards from the bank, was checked by paramedics.

Terry Williams, county operations manager for the North Wales fire and rescue service, said : "Obviously, at this time of year and following our recent heavy rainfall, we would urge all kayakers and watersports enthusiasts to be mindful of the dangers of the fast flowing rivers we have here in north Wales.

"Fortunately, the woman involved in this incident was wearing safety clothing, which assisted her in her ordeal.

"The incident was brought to a successful conclusion through effective partnership between North Wales fire and rescue service, the RAF and North Wales Air Ambulance."

A 15-year-old boy drowned in the river Llugwy at nearby Cyfyng Falls in August.