Sennen and Gwenver RNLI lifeguards assist paddleboarder with chest injury

RNLI senior lifeguard Pete Geall was patrolling Gwenver Beach when he spotted two stand-up paddleboarders with one appearing to be in significant distress. The casualty was lying across his partner’s board and had difficulty breathing. The paddleboarders, who were some 100 metres out, managed to move closer to the shore and Pete waded out to assist them. Pete then helped both paddleboarders through the two metre surf and back to the rocks between Sennen and Gwenver.

Due to the limited access of their location, Pete radioed covering senior lifeguard Josh Magin at Sennen who drove over in the lifeguard’s 4x4 vehicle and together they helped the casualty into the truck and over to Sennen beach. The lifeguards were then assisted in administering casualty care by a first responder and a paramedic. The casualty was given oxygen, kept warm and comfortable before being transported to hospital via Cornwall Air Ambulance.

Tim Palmer, RNLI lifeguard supervisor for the area said:

‘This was a very difficult situation for the casualty to find themselves in and we wish him a quick recovery. The lifeguards didn’t see the incident occur but the casualty was visibly in a lot of pain. Due to the alertness and quick reaction of the lifeguards the casualty was assisted as soon as possible and given emergency casualty care. We encourage anyone entering the water to visit a lifeguarded beach and to always check the tide times and sea conditions before visiting the coast.’

Notes to Editors

• Over 249 beaches around the UK and Channel Islands are patrolled by lifeguards

• Lifeguards are on duty at Sennen beach 10am-6pm daily until 28 October

• Lifeguards are on duty at Gwenver beach 10am-6pm daily until 30 September

• To find your nearest lifeguarded beach please visit https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest

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For more information please contact Jessica Putt, Media Engagement Placement, on 01752 854479 or email [email protected] or Amy Caldwell, Regional Media Manager, on 01752 854450 or email [email protected].

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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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