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RNLI lifeguards rescue seven people in busy afternoon at Woolacombe beach

Lifeguards News Release

RNLI lifeguards performed seven rescues in some challenging conditions at Woolacombe beach on Wednesday afternoon (14 August).

It was a glorious day, with large surf but as the tide changed there were strong rip currents forming, creating difficult swimming conditions.

At 4:15pm, Lead Lifeguard Supervisor, Matt Whitley, rescued two female swimmers and a male swimmer who were caught out, and half an hour later rescued another male swimmer and a male bodyboarder who were in difficulty in a rip current.

At 5pm RNLI lifeguards spotted bodyboarders in difficulty drifting out of the bathing area. Lifeguards immediately responded on their rescue boards and arrived on scene to find five people in trouble in a rip current with waves dumping onto them.

Three were strong enough to get themselves out of danger with lifeguards monitoring their safety, whilst Matt grabbed the other two swimmers, who had been pushed further out, and got them onto his board before bringing them to shore.

Initially shaken up, the casualties were brought into the lifeguard unit where they were monitored and medically assessed, before lifeguards offered advice about how to stay safe the future.

Lead Lifeguard Supervisor, Matt Whitley said:

‘As the tide shifted it created difficult conditions for bodyboarding and swimming, but as a lifeguard team we were on hand to support people and did so quickly and efficiently.

‘The incidents are a reminder of the importance of going to a lifeguarded beach and swimming and bodyboarding between the red and yellow flags. Conditions can change quickly and RNLI lifeguards are constantly monitoring the water and beaches to make sure people are avoiding risks.

‘It is also thanks to Parkin Estates that we are able to provide this lifesaving service and keep people safe whilst they enjoy their time in the water.’

Notes to editors

  • Photo is of RNLI lifeguards in July

  • Video shows footage of lifeguards patrolling the bathing area

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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 over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, 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.

RNLI at 200

On 4 March 2024, the RNLI celebrates 200 years of saving lives at sea – thanks to volunteers giving their time to save others, all funded by voluntary public donations. Throughout its 200th anniversary year, the charity is running events and activities to commemorate its history, celebrate the lifesaving service it provides today, and inspire generations of future lifesavers and supporters. For more information visit RNLI.org/200.

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, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

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Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.