RNLI lifeguards rescue multiple casualties as thousands visit south west coast

With large numbers of beachgoers taking to the water each day, RNLI lifeguard teams responded to a range of incidents, including multiple rescues, first aid emergencies and preventative actions to keep people safe along the region’s coastline.

Over the course of the weekend, lifeguards carried out numerous rescues. At Treyarnon Beach, RNLI lifeguards diverted the inshore rescue boat (IRB) that had been out on training to assist a swimmer who had been caught in a rip current and was unable to return to shore. The casualty was quickly reached and brought safely back to the beach.

RNLI lifeguards at Gwithian Beach were also kept extremely busy. On Sunday 24 May, teams carried out a mass rescue involving four casualties while simultaneously coordinating a search for two missing children. The team responded effectively to both situations, working together calmly under pressure.

On Bank Holiday Monday, RNLI lifeguards at Gwithian beach again responded to a life-threatening incident when a member of the public entered the water in an area subject to strong currents that had been under continuous observation.

Lifeguard Jacob Morrall, positioned in the beach lifeguard unit, spotted the casualty in difficulty. The individual had been swept approximately 50–100 metres offshore and was beginning to submerge as RNLI lifeguards arrived. The RNLI lifeguard team successfully brought the casualty ashore and monitored their condition.

In the South Hams, RNLI lifeguards across Challaborough, Bantham and Sedgewell Cove dealt with 135 incidents over the three day weekend.

Throughout the long weekend, RNLI lifeguards provided ongoing safety advice and assistance as thousands of people visited lifeguarded beaches around the region. In addition to emergency responses, RNLI lifeguards carried out hundreds of preventative actions—engaging with the public, identifying hazards and encouraging people to swim between the red and yellow flags.

Henry Saddler-Irvine, RNLI Regional Lifeguard Lead said: ‘RNLI lifeguard teams across the whole south west were incredibly busy over the bank holiday weekend with thousands of people visiting the beach, and hundreds of people in the water each day. Our RNLI lifeguard teams continue to work very hard keeping beachgoers and water users safe as the hot weather continues this week during half term. We urge anyone heading to the coast to choose a lifeguarded beach and swim between the flags.

‘As people enter the sea we also want everyone to remember our Float to Live advice. Whether you’re entering the water intentionally or not, cold water (anything below 15C) creates a gasp reflex which can instinctively cause people to panic and try to fight the water. We’re urging people to ignore this instinct and remember to float: Tilt your head back, with your ears submerged. Relax and try to breathe normally. Move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat if you need to. It’s fine if your legs sink – we all float differently. By doing this, you give yourself the chance to rest and recover your breathing then you can call for help or swim to safety.’

The RNLI is reminding anyone planning a trip to the coast to choose a lifeguarded beach where possible, check conditions before entering the water and avoid using inflatables in offshore winds.

If you see someone else struggling in water:
• Phone 999 to get help
• Tell them to stay calm and float on their back
• Throw rescue equipment to help them float until emergency services arrive

Notes to Editors:

Images show RNLI lifeguarded beaches with large crowds and RNLI lifeguards undertaking preventative actions. Credit Peter Hicks.

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For further information, please contact:

Annabelle Spiers, RNLI Communications Placement at [email protected] or on 07521943895, or Emma Haines, RNLI Regional Communications Manager, on 07786 668847 or [email protected], or RNLI press office on 01202 336789

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.

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