Padstow RNLI lifeguards feature in new series of Saving Lives at Sea documentary

Featuring footage captured on helmet cameras, the primetime documentary series lets viewers witness rescues through the eyes of the RNLI lifesavers while meeting the people behind the pagers.

The popular 10-part documentary is now in its seventh series and includes the lifesaving work of RNLI lifeguards and volunteer lifeboat crews from around the UK and Ireland.

The series began on Thursday 25 August at 8pm on BBC Two and will also be available on BBC iPlayer following broadcast.

Including interviews with lifeboat crews and lifeguards, the series will also hear from the rescuees and their families who are here to tell the tale, thanks to the RNLI.

This forthcoming episode, on Thursday 6 October, includes Trevone and Harlyn RNLI lifeguards who rescued a novice surfer caught in a strong rip current who was being pummelled by breaking waves. The casualty, who was visiting the area, returned to the beach to thank the lifeguards the following day. This rescue will appear alongside rescue stories from other RNLI stations and beaches around our coasts.

Harlyn RNLI lifeguard, Seb Scott-Bray, who will feature in the upcoming episode, says:

‘The surf was big, about 4-5 foot and really messy conditions which were hard to navigate. There was a strong onshore wind which made the waves very sporadic and picking a path through was quite difficult. After a couple of attempts, we managed to reach our colleague who was on a rescue board securing the casualty and together we pulled him into the rescue boat.

RNLI Lead Lifeguard Supervisor for Padstow, Max Setti, adds:

‘Our lifesaving work would not be possible without donations from the public and we are delighted to be able to share a frontline view of the rescues they support with their kind generosity.’

In 2021, RNLI lifeboat crews around the UK and Ireland aided 12,903 people, saving 296 lives, while the charity’s lifeguards aided 18,180 people and saved 112 lives on some of the UK’s busiest beaches.

Notes to Editors

• The series is made for the BBC by Blast! Films.

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, call the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 or email [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.