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RNLI lifeguards at Treyarnon rescue two kayakers struggling against rip current

Lifeguards News Release

On Saturday, (September 14) RNLI lifeguards responded to two kayakers who were struggling in a rip current to the southern side of Treyarnon Bay.

RNLI lifeguards had noticed the couple in a double kayak paddling out and capsizing and lifeguard Lilli Young responded when the pair began to drift towards the rocks as they battled against the rip current.

Lilli paddled out to the kayakers where one was in the water and one was in the kayak. Lilli got the one in the water onto her rescue board and guided the other one to safely get clear of the rip current. She was supported by another RNLI Lifeguard Max Sutton as they brought the pair back to shore.

The casualties were unharmed and were able to leave the beach once the lifeguards had established, they were safe and well.

RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor for Padstow, Leon Bennett said:

‘Lilli did a fantastic job to spot the kayakers in danger and respond quickly and efficiently and get the casualties to safety.

‘The incident serves as a reminder to people about the dangers of rip currents and how quickly things can change, even when conditions look safe and perfect for kayaking.

‘We’d like to remind people that if you do find yourself in trouble in a rip current to remember not to panic, don’t try to swim or paddle against the current as you’ll get exhausted, if you can stand wade-don’t swim, if you can swim or paddle do so parallel to the shore until free of the rip current and always raise an arm and shout for help.’

Notes to editors

· Photo shows RNLI lifeguard Lilli Young

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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.

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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.

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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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