Two major rescues carried out by Newquay RNLI lifeguards
Both Fistral and Watergate Bay RNLI lifeguards have recently dealt with two separate incidents involving recreational water-craft. At Fistral an inflatable kayak was being blow out to sea in off-shore winds and at Watergate Bay a jet-ski capsized.
On Sunday (8 May), at around 3pm, RNLI lifeguard Arron Evans spotted a kayak rapidly drifting out to sea in a strong off-shore wind. It was a calm, sunny day, but the south-easterly wind had carried the inflatable over 300m out to sea, beyond the south Fistral headland.
Arron immediately launched the rescue water craft (RWC) and sped to their aid whilst Fistral lifeguards monitored the kayakers. When Arron arrived at the scene, the couple were fishing off the side of the kayak and had noticed a tear where water was rapidly seeping in causing the kayak to deflate and lose buoyancy. Arron quickly pulled the casualties on to the RWC and returned them safely to shore, along with their equipment.
Due to wind direction blowing strongly out to sea, RNLI lifeguards positioned an orange windsock on the beach which represents that no inflatables should be taken into the water, but unfortunately the kayakers entered the water further down the beach and were unaware of the dangers.
RNLI lead lifeguard supervisor, Lewis Timson says, ‘‘The quick response from Fistral lifeguards resulted in both casualties safely returning to shore unharmed, but it is so important to always head to one of our lifeguarded beaches and speak to the lifeguards before entering the water. If you are planning a water activity be aware of the risks in the water, local tide times and weather forecast and always let the lifeguards know where you are going. We do not recommend using inflatables, especially when the orange windsock is flying.’
On Tuesday (10 May), Watergate Bay RNLI lifeguards responded to an incident involving a recreational jet-ski that had capsized and one of the users was unable to get back on. The lifeguards launched their RWC and assisted the casualty safely back to shore.
The RNLI is urging anyone visiting the coast this summer to make sure they keep themselves and their families safe by following beach safety advice:
· Visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.
· Check the weather forecast, tide times and read local hazard signage to understand local risks.
· Keep a close eye on your family – on the beach and in the water – don’t allow your family to swim alone.
· If you fall into the water unexpectedly, FLOAT TO LIVE. Fight your instinct to thrash around, lean back, extend your arms and legs, and float.
· In an emergency dial 999/112 and ask for the Coastguard.
Notes to editors
· RNLI lifeguards are preparing to return to 30 additional beaches across Cornwall and Devon from this weekend (Saturday 14 May):
Seaton, Poldhu, Kennack Sands, Gyllyngvase, Crantock, Great Western, Tolcarne, Porth, Portreath, Chapel Porth, St. Agnes, Perran Sands, Holywell Bay, Godrevy, Gwithian South, Upton Towans, Beachview, Mexico, Porthminster, Gwenver, Porthcurno, Booby’s, Trevone, Trebarwith, Black Rock, Crooklets, Sandymouth, Westward Ho! and Sandymere, plus Challaborough in South Devon
· Footage of the incident involving the kayakers on Sunday is available to view and download from here
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Becky Bright, RNLI Media Engagement Placement (South West) on 07929 673281 or [email protected]. or Amy Caldwell, Regional Media Manager on 07920 818807 or [email protected]. Alternatively, please contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 or [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.
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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.