RNLI lifeguards rescue five people after their safety patrols had ended

RNLI lifeguards Jack Daniels, Maysha Ahrens, Andy Houlder and Sonny Timson were driving home after their shift on Mawgan Porth had finished at 6pm. As they were passing neighbouring Porth beach, they spotted five people swimming in the river area.

The area is a very dangerous spot of the beach due to the constant flow of water from the river out to sea. This creates a very strong, permanent current – especially during high tides which is when this incident occurred.

RNLI lifeguard Andy Houlder used the PA system on the beach to warn the swimmers of the dangers whilst senior RNLI lifeguard Jack Daniels paddled over using a rescue board. Jack then assisted the five swimmers back to safety ashore.

Mark Priem, RNLI lifeguard supervisor for the area, said:

‘When the lifeguards are on duty, this area of the beach is signposted warning beachgoers not to enter the water and the red and yellow flags are placed well away from the current.

When the lifeguards are not on duty, there is signage located at all three of the main entrances to the beach warning of the dangerous current. There are also two life rings located on the beach – one by the entrance to the north side of the beach and one on the steps next to the lifeguard unit.

We advise all beachgoers to visit the beach when the lifeguards are on duty and to swim between the red and yellow flags. We are on duty everyday 10am-6pm daily and, when visiting the beach, please do not hesitate to ask the lifeguards on duty for any advice.’

Notes to Editor

• RNLI lifeguards patrol over 249 beaches around the UK and Channel Islands

RNLI Media Contacts

For more information, please contact Jessica Putt, Media Engagement Placement, at [email protected] or Amy Caldwell, Regional Media Manager, at [email protected].

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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

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.