Two kayakers got into difficulties near Hunterston recently, after suffering from the effects of hyperthermia.

The rescue team were paged by Belfast Coastguard Operations Centre at 7.03pm on Friday 10 June to investigate a report from a member of the public of a kayak drifting in Fairlie bay towards Hunterston.

Kenny McCaig of Largs Coastguard said: "The team responded immediately and after mustering at the Coastguard station made their way to Hunterston coal terminal to gain an advantage point to locate the kayak.

"When travelling along the jetty two persons were seen to be walking along the jetty towards them. These were the occupants of the drifting kayak and that there was another kayak still adrift but with no one aboard.

"The persons had been in the water for some time and suffering from the effects of hypothermia. Belfast Coastguard were immediately requested to send an ambulance to Hunterston.

"The two casualties were treated at the scene by paramedics and taken to hospital for checks. The Ardrossan Coastguard Rescue Team had also been tasked to this incident to provide backup and deployed a water rescue technician to recover the Kayak.

"It is not thought that these Kayaks are connected to the kayaks stolen from Fairlie the night before. The second kayak was recovered by the Clydeport pilot vessel on Saturday afternoon."

Full information on safety procedures for kayaking can be obtained from the RNLI website http://rnli.org/safety/respect-the-water/activities/Pages/kayaking.aspx

It is recommended that you should always paddle with others, and make sure that someone ashore also knows your plans and what time to expect you back.

It is also important to inform the Coastguard of your plans when departing for lengthy sea expeditions, and to check the tide, wind and weather before launching.

The RNLI also recommend that you carry a means of calling for help, take a waterproof VHF radio and two flares – one parachute and one pinpoint.