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RNLI lifeguards at Perranporth save two lives during busy bank holiday weekend

Lifeguards News Release

On Thursday 23 May, RNLI lifeguards, George Hudson, Terri Warner and Rosalie Longman came to the aid of two casualties who had got into difficulty whilst surfing at Perranporth beach.

The incident happened just as the RNLI lifeguards were packing down to finish for the day, at around 6:05pm, when a member of the public approached them having spotted two surfers were in danger in the gap, an area of the beach between Chapel Rock and the headland, which usually has strong rip currents.

Senior lifeguard, George Hudson, responded quickly and drove the lifeguard truck to the water’s edge before paddling out on the rescue board where he saved a 13-year old boy, who was being assisted by a member of the public. George paddled him back to shore and administered casualty care.

Meanwhile, RNLI Lifeguards, Terri Warner and Rosalie Longman had successfully rescued a 36-year-old man caught in the same rip current, getting him safely back to shore and provided casualty care while the team waited for paramedics to arrive.

Paramedics arrived at approximately 6:28pm and the lifeguards helped get the casualties to the ambulance where they were then taken to hospital.

RNLI Lead Lifeguard supervisor for Perranporth Anton Page said:

‘Our lifeguards did a fantastic job in responding after hours to two casualties who had been caught in a dangerous rip current at Perranporth beach.

‘Thankfully our lifeguards were still on the beach and able to assist but we remind people that lifeguards patrol beaches from 10am-6pm and if you are planning on going in the water, go to a lifeguarded beach between these hours. Furthermore, if you do get in to trouble remember to Float to Live - lie on your back with your ears submerged and fight your instinct to panic and wait for help to arrive.’

The rest of the weekend saw high winds and messy surf and on Saturday (25 May). RNLI lifeguards at Perranporth beach alone responded to over 12 incidents in a two-hour period.

With the south west busy with people enjoying the half term school holidays, the RNLI is reminding people when they go to the coast, to head to a lifeguarded beach, swim and bodyboard between the red and yellow flags and if you have any safety questions, please ask an RNLI lifeguard and listen to their advice.

Notes to editors

  • Photo shows from left to right RNLI lifeguards, Rosalie Longman, George Hudson and Terri Warner

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

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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.