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RNLI lifeguards at Mawgan Porth save female bodyboarder

Lifeguards News Release

RNLI lifeguards at Mawgan Porth beach in Cornwall, rescued a woman on Sunday morning (9 June). The woman, who was bodyboarding, was caught in the current generated by the river meeting the sea and had drifted around the corner of the headland.

RNLI/Nathan_Williams

RNLI lifeguards arrived at the beach at 9:50 am and were immediately notified by members of the public that a female bodyboarder was in danger.

RNLI lifeguards Theresa Morokutti and Harry Barea both immediately entered the water. Due to the speed of the rescue they were fully clothed. They each paddled more than 300 metres around the corner on rescue boards and successfully retrieved the casualty and brought her safely back to shore.

RNLI Lead Lifeguard Supervisor for Newquay Lewis Timson said:

‘Theresa and Harry did a great job in rescuing a female bodyboarder who had been dragged into path of the river which is a prominent feature on the left hand side of Mawgan Porth beach and can create a significant current running out to sea.

‘She was extremely grateful for their help, the strength of the current was such that she would have had great difficulty reaching the shore on her own.

'Thankfully lifeguards were just arriving to start their shift but the incident does serve as a reminder to people who are going to the coast that beaches are lifeguarded from 10am to 6pm. The RNLI strongly advise those who are planning on going into the water, to do so between these times, at a lifeguarded beach and that if swimming or bodyboarding to do so between the red and yellow flags.’

Notes to editors

  • Photos show lifeguards Theresa Morokutti (Primary photo) and Harry Barea (secondary)

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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.

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.

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