RNLI lifeguards carry out several rescues along North Coast of Cornwall
RNLI lifeguards had a busy weekend rescuing kayakers, body boarders, surfers and a dog across a number of beaches along the north coast.
On Friday (1 July) at Perranporth beach, a dog was cut off by the tide. Two lifeguards launched the inshore rescue boat (IRB) to retrieve the canine and bring it back to its owner.
At Holywell Bay, two kayakers capsized on Saturday (2 July) when they were hit by a surging wave. When RNLI lifeguards spotted the two men struggling to get back to their kayaks, they launched the IRB to help return the casualties to shore.
On Sunday (3 July), lifeguards responded to numerous incidents at Perranporth beach. In the early afternoon, RNLI lifeguard George Haynes used the rescue board to assist a surfer back in. Five body boarders were rescued in the same afternoon. Three adults and two children were caught in rip currents in separate incidents, and were rescued before being pulled further out to sea. The rescue board, rescue water craft (RWC) and IRB were all used to help bring the casualties back to the beach.
Shortly after, RNLI lifeguard George Haynes was put into action again when he spotted a male learner surfer who was caught in a rip current. He used the rescue board to retrieve the casualty.
Over at St. Agnes beach, ten children were helped out of breaking waves.
RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor, Martyn Ward, said: ‘It was a busy weekend for our lifeguards, who responded quickly to a number of incidents. When we do have good weather people are making the most of it by getting into the water. We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable time at the coast, so we would encourage everyone to use a lifeguarded beach, swim between the red and yellow flags and raise your hand if you do get into difficulty.
‘If you are less experienced with any water activity, joining a guided day trip is a great and safe way to enjoy water activities. If you choose to go individually, check the conditions and always take a mobile phone or a means of calling for help in case you do find yourself in trouble. Attach it to the front of the boat or to yourself so it is easily accessed should you capsize.
‘A lot of people lose their paddle in difficulty and choose to stay with the kayak instead. Take a safety line and attach it to either yourself, or the kayak to the paddle so that if you successfully get back in the kayak, you can paddle yourself back to shore.’
Notes to Editors
Further video footage can be downloaded here: http://rnli.org/Pages/Video-Details.aspx?VideoItemID=kcedqsar
The RNLI’s national drowning prevention campaign, Respect the Water, aims to halve accidental coastal deaths by 2024. The campaign is targeted at adult men, who account for most incidents. Last year saw an increase in the number of men losing their lives at the coast. Between 2011 and 2014 men have accounted for three-quarters (75%) of coastal deaths but, in 2015, this increased to 84%.
A surprising trend is that around half of the people who die at the coast each year never planned to enter the water. Of the 168 deaths last year, over half (52%) did not intend to get wet – people taking part in activities such as coastal walking, running, climbing or angling. In fact, coastal walking and running accounted for over one-fifth (21%) of last year’s coastal deaths.
For more information on the current RNLI Respect The Water Campaign go to www.rnli.org.uk/RespectTheWater
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity 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 146,000 lives.
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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.