Tregonhawke RNLI lifeguards rescue swimmer
Tregonhawke RNLI lifeguards rescued a tired and cold swimmer on Friday 29 June.
The woman had been swimming behind her friend’s kayak along with another kayaker and swimmer as they explored the Sylla dive wreck just off Tregonhawke Beach. Lifeguards advised the group about the potential dangers of paddling too far out but they continued with their plan.
The lifeguards kept watch of the group as they paddled offshore and spotted them become separated. As soon as they lost sight of one kayak and its swimmer, Harry Moir, senior RNLI lifeguard and colleague Tristan Hopgood immediately launched their inshore rescue boat (IRB) to investigate.
Harry said:
‘Although the weather was really warm yesterday, the water was still very cold and the shock of cold water can easily affect the body. When we reached the swimmer, she was exhausted and complaining of numb legs so the decision was made to assist her back to shore.’
The lifeguards assisted the swimmer into the boat, leaving behind her kayaking companion and the rest of the group who were happy to continue.
Harry continues:
‘The good visibility and flat sea meant the conditions were good for swimming and kayaking yesterday but none of the group had a means of calling for help. Luckily we were on duty and decided to investigate when the group became separated meaning we could help the exhausted swimmer. The RNLI advises that kayakers always carry a way of calling for help; preferably a waterproof DSC VHF. A fully charged mobile phone, easily accessible to you in a waterproof pouch, is the bare minimum we would recommend as you could easily be out of coverage around the coast but we also advise that you keep within reach of the shore.’
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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