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RNLI lifeguards in the south west issue safety warning after rescuing two people

Lifeguards News Release

On Sunday (23 June) RNLI lifeguards at Porthtowan beach rescued a mother and daughter who had got into difficulty in a rip current just after 6pm.

RNLI/Nathan Williams

A member of the public came rushing over to the truck and notified lifeguards who had already noticed the casualties in trouble.

RNLI lifeguard Louie Ingram paddled out approximately 30 metres and arrived on the scene to see both the mother and daughter in the float to live position, following the RNLI advice and was then able to bring them safely back to shore.

Martyn Ward, RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor for Perranporth said:

‘Our lifeguards did a great job in responding to a dangerous situation after two casualties were caught in a rip current just after 6pm.

‘What was great to hear though was that the casualties were in the Float to Live position when Louie arrived on the scene, having heard the advice previously from the RNLI. It meant that they were able to keep themselves afloat whilst conserving their energy and control their breathing.Whilst we hope no one does find themselves in difficulty, the mother and daughter did exactly the right thing and it is good to see our message is reaching people.’

The incident comes as the RNLI issue a safety warning as the weather continues to get hotter. With temperatures looking likely to hit the mid-twenties in the south west later this week, the coast is set to be extremely busy.

The RNLI is reminding people to visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags if you’re visiting the coast during this warm spell. RNLI lifeguards are patrolling around 60 beaches in the south west this week and offer advice on how to stay safe and they are also there to help anyone who gets into trouble.  

If you do get in trouble in the water, Float to Live: Tilt your head back with ears submerged 

  • Relax and try to control your breathing 

  • Use your hands to help you stay afloat 

  • It's OK if your legs sink, we all float differently 

Visit RNLI.org/float2024 for more information.

A full list of RNLI lifeguarded beaches can be found here

Open water swimming advice can be found here.

Media contacts

For more information please contact Archie Connolly, Media Engagement – Placement-South West on 07977 468283 or [email protected],uk or Emma Haines, Regional Communications Manager, on 07786 668847 or [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

RNLI online

For more information, please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the RNLI News Centre.

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. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved more than 146,000 lives.

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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