RNLI renew essential safety warnings at Crantock beach

The incredibly heavy, and unstable sand is susceptible to collapse at any time, with the risk of trapping people underneath.

Lewis Timson, RNLI Lead Lifeguard Supervisor for Newquay said: ‘Sand is extremely heavy, and in the event of the dune collapsing, there is an increased danger of becoming buried with potentially life-threatening consequences.

'Following another sand dune section collapsing at the beach yesterday (14 June) we are renewing the call for the public to keep at least 50m (164ft) away from the base of the sand dunes. If you witness a collapse call 999 and ask for the Coastguard and fire service, do not put yourself in danger and attempt to rescue.’

Rescuing someone trapped under sand requires a special technique that involves multiple people forming a human chain to move the heavy sand away from the casualty as they are freed to prevent it re-collapsing.

Lewis said: ‘Despite the important, multi-agency training we have recently undertaken to rescue someone trapped under sand, we hope we do not face any incidents of this nature. Our focus is on ensuring people keep away from the sand dunes at Crantock. With the dry weather and surf of three to four foot expected; the nature of the sand dune system is predicted to shift and remain unstable for the foreseeable future and risks collapse at any time.

‘The RNLI lifeguards at Crantock beach have been working extremely hard to protect the public from the imposing dangers of the sand cliff. With the change in direction of the river at Crantock which has increased the risk of rip currents in the water, I advise anyone visiting the beach to keep well clear from the dune system, swim between the red and yellow flags and please speak to our lifeguards if you have any concerns or questions.’

RNLI lifeguards are on patrol daily at the beach from 10am to 6pm and are advising people to keep well clear from the base of the dunes.

Notes to editors

· Photo of the unstable sand dune system at Crantock beach. (Credit: Lewis Timson, RNLI)

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