RNLI issues rock fall warning after woman injured near Harlyn

Lifeguards were just setting up for their patrols at Harlyn at around 10am on Tuesday 20 June when they were alerted to a woman who had been injured by a rock fall at a neighbouring bay.

The casualty had just arrived at the beach with her family, who were holidaying in the area, when there was a rock fall.

As first responders RNLI lifeguards provided initial treatment to the casualty at the scene during the multi-agency response.

The casualty was airlifted to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth where she is in a stable condition and receiving further treatment for the injuries sustained.

RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor Leon Bennett said: ‘We are pleased to hear that the woman involved is recovering well from her injuries. Her family did the right thing in immediately alerting the emergency services and lifeguards at Harlyn to the situation. This meant the woman could be treated quickly and effectively.’

The incident happened at a small cove known locally as Boat Bay, which is not patrolled by the RNLI. Nobody else was injured in the rock fall.

Leon added: ‘This incident highlights that cliff falls can happen at any time without warning and present a risk to people on top of the cliffs or exploring the beach below. Rock falls happen more often than you may think and the RNLI advises people to stay well away from cliff edges and the base of cliffs as these falls are a natural part of coastal erosion and do not just happen in bad weather.’

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