Off-duty RNLI lifeguard and Padstow lifeboat crew member rescue body boarder
Off duty lifeguard Dan Wickins and off duty lifeboat crew member James Swabey from Padstow Lifeboat Station were surfing Trevone Bay on Thursday (1 June) evening when they went to the aid of a man in difficulty.
RNLI Lifeguard Dan Wickins said: ‘We noticed a body boarder stuck far out in a rip current just after 7pm. He was getting washed towards the rocks by large waves. The man was in difficulty and struggling to keep his head above the water. James and I were able to assist him away from the rocks and back to the shore. We carried out relevant checks on the casualty as we had some concerns about secondary drowning. Once we were happy with the casualty’s condition we walked him back to his family on the beach.’
The RNLI advises members of the public who see anyone in trouble in the sea to alert the lifeguards or call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.
RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor for Padstow, Max Setti, added: ‘The majority of RNLI lifeguard incidents in the UK involve rip currents. If you find yourself caught in a rip current it’s important not to try and swim against it or you’ll get exhausted. The RNLI’s advice is if you can stand, wade don’t swim and if you can’t wade to swim parallel to the shore until free of the rip current and then head for shore. It’s important to raise your hand when you can to shout for help.’
Daily lifeguard patrols (10am until 6pm) started at Trevone Bay on 20 May and will continue until 1 October.
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