What do you think of when you picture the beach? Golden sands? Glistening waves? Chances are, you’re not thinking of a landslide or stacks of thick, cloying mud. But for one family, and Hoylake RNLI, this was their reality …

Mawgan Porth lifeguards race to the rescue of a swimmer caught in a rip current.

Watch a compilation of dramatic bystander footage showing RNLI lifeboat crews and lifeguards battling the elements to save lives 

We’re all looking forward to spending time with our loved ones this Christmas. But as the following rescues show, RNLI lifesavers will drop all that in a second when others need their help.