RNLI lifeguards rescue kayakers swept out at Fistral beach

The two casualties were visiting Newquay with a group of friends and hired a double sea kayak, which they entered into the water at Fistral beach at around 4pm in sunny weather conditions. The strength of the offshore wind grew dramatically while the men were in the water, dragging the kayak further out and making it too difficult for the casualties to paddle back.

Fortunately, both casualties were wearing lifejackets and strapped the kayak to a sailing buoy to prevent them from drifting further out. After their friends on the beach became concerned that they had not yet returned, they alerted the lifeguards, who were able to locate the two men through their binoculars.

Two RNLI lifeguards – Saul Woodfinden and Marcello Crivich – launched a rescue watercraft (RWC) and went to the casualties’ aid. The two casualties were quickly brought safely to the shallows, before the lifeguards then returned the kayak to the shore.

John Steadman, lifeguard supervisor in Newquay, said:

‘It was a beautiful sunny day on Saturday, but weather conditions can always change quickly at sea and that’s what happened in this case as strong offshore winds developed.

‘The RNLI always advises kayakers to carry a means for calling for help and keep it within reach in case you get into difficulty in the water.’

One of the casualties said:

‘I want to say a huge thank you to the lifeguards and advise other people to stay cautious of the conditions and the current because it really can catch you unaware at any moment.’

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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 over 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 142,200 lives.

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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