Falmouth RNLI offer safety advice as schools break up for summer holidays

As the weather has continued to heat up, and people have flocked to the coast to cool down, Falmouth’s volunteer lifeboat crew have responded to nine shouts in the last week.

Both of the station’s lifeboats have been called out to a variety of boating incidents in the past seven days – from assisting a 10-metre vessel with a fouled prop and rudder, to helping a yachtsman in difficulty near Portloe by towing his vessel back to safety. Falmouth’s crew also responded to a Mayday from a sinking powerboat west of Black Head, which had hit the rocks. Lizard Lifeboat, which was also on the scene, rescued three people on board before the vessel sank below the water.

It hasn’t only been sailors in difficulty in the past week. Falmouth’s RNLI crew were called to Malpas to assist two paddleboarders who were stranded by the tide, and three swimmers in difficulty at Porthluney. The station’s inshore lifeboat was also tasked to support with a medical evacuation on shore at Lankidden Cove. The crew waited with the casualty, who had dislocated her knee, until Coastguard Rescue airlifted her from the beach and took her to hospital for further treatment.

Nick Lewis, Lifeboat Operations Manager, Falmouth Lifeboat Station said: 'The past week has been extremely busy for our dedicated volunteer crew, as the school summer holidays draw closer. We’re urging anybody visiting Falmouth this summer, and planning to take part in coastal activities, to be aware of the dangers so they can have a safe and enjoyable time on holiday.

'Always check the weather conditions and tide times before heading to the coast as it’s very easy to find yourself quickly cut off by the tide or blown offshore. Whatever activity you choose to do, whether it’s swimming, paddleboarding, sailing, kayaking, walking, or anything else near the water, look out for your friends and family to help keep each other safe. If you’re going alone, make sure you always tell somebody where you’re going and when you’ll be back.

'Please enjoy the water in Falmouth, and everything the coastline has to offer, but respect the dangers too. Remember, in an emergency or if you see somebody in trouble, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.'

Falmouth Lifeboat Station is one of the busiest in the South West region. In 2021 the crew responded to 110 shouts in total – the highest on record in the station’s history.

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 142,700 lives.

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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.