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Eventful start to the 2023 peak season for RNLI lifeguards in the south west

Lifeguards News Release

A family of four on holiday were rescued by RNLI lifeguards in difficult water conditions at Crantock beach in Cornwall this weekend (Saturday 8 July), alongside a mass rescue at Fistral beach and rip current rescues at West Bay and Mawgan Porth beaches.

Lifeguard at Crantock Beach

Photo: RNLI

Lifeguard at Crantock Beach

The RNLI is urging people visiting the coast to be aware of strong rip currents, weather, and tide conditions, and to always swim between the red and yellow flags at a lifeguarded beach.

On the first day of peak season patrols resuming (Saturday 8 July), RNLI lifeguards at Crantock beach rescued a family on holiday: saving the father’s life and rescuing his three children in four-foot solid surf and strong rip tides. Around forty bathers and bodyboarders were in between the red and yellow flags as a set of big waves came in, collapsing a sand bank and causing a flash rip tide. As a result, the family found themselves in great difficulty after becoming washed out to sea in the powerful current.

RNLI lifeguards Lucas and Sam were quick to react, launching on their rescue boards and paddling out firstly to the father and son who were caught in the powerful breaking waves. They were picked up individually onto the rescue boards, whilst RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor John Steadman launched the RWC (Rescue Water Craft). The daughter and other son who had been washed out beyond the breaking waves, were soon rescued by RNLI lifeguard Kai on the RWC and brought back safely to shore. The Rescue Water Craft then returned to the water to assist the other lifeguard who had one of the children on the rescue board. The casualty was transferred to the RWC and transported safely back to land.

John said it’s a stark reminder of how conditions in the water can change very quickly;

‘All four were clearly in shock following this traumatic experience. The father mentioned to me that if it had been just five seconds later, he probably could not have held on. We were fortunate to have very experienced lifeguards on duty to deal with these incredibly difficult conditions. I am extremely proud of the exceptional job they did to save this family, at what is an already challenging beach for us to lifeguard.

He added;

‘If you do find yourself caught in a rip current, don’t try to swim against it or you’ll get exhausted. If you can stand, wade don’t swim and if you can, swim parallel to the shore until free of the rip and then head for shore. Always raise your hand and shout for help.’

On the same day at Fistral beach (8 July), 6 people were rescued after becoming washed out of their depth by a rip tide. A lifeguard on an RWC was already out on the water conducting a patrol, assisted the casualties and took them back to shore. Similarly on the following day, lifeguards rescued a casualty caught in a rip current at the same beach. Lifeguards at Mawgan Porth beach also attended a similar incident for two people in difficulty on the Saturday and were rescued on by the lifeguards.

RNLI lifeguards in Dorset also saw a busy start to the peak season, following a couple of incidents on the beaches, including a casualty struggling to breathe following cold water shock at Greenhill. Lifeguards on duty administered casualty care before being assisted by paramedics and the man being taken to hospital. At Weymouth beach, a man with severe chest pains and tingling symptoms was treated and monitored by the lifeguards. And at West Bay, a lifeguard on the water’s edge witnessed a woman being pulled out to sea. As it was close to the shore, the lifeguard was able to respond quickly with a rescue tube as an aid and bring her safely back to land.

The RNLI is urging everyone to respect the conditions, follow the lifeguard advice and be well prepared for any water-based activity you have planned in the sea. Always try to visit an RNLI lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.’

Notes to editors

· Photo of lifeguard at Crantock beach (Credit: RNLI)

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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

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