RNLI lifeguards rescue three swimmers at Summerleaze beach in Bude
Three lives were saved by RNLI lifeguards at Summerleaze beach on Tuesday 5 August, after the three swimmers were spotted struggling in a hazardous rip current near the mouth of the river.
RNLI lifeguards were packing up for the day when Senior RNLI Lifeguard Charlie Barnett noticed some swimmers in difficulty on the left-hand side of the bay. A combination of neap tides and strong surf had created treacherous conditions, with large volumes of water funnelling back into the river forming a powerful rip current.
Charlie, alongside RNLI Lifeguards Alfie Turner and Drew Bardsley, responded quickly, heading into the water on rescue boards. The three lifeguards had to battle with the conditions in order to reach the casualties and return them safely back to shore.
Ross Hambley, Lead Lifeguard Supervisor said:
‘The swimmers were caught in a very dangerous spot. The river at Summerleaze can look deceptively calm and inviting, but during certain tide stages, particularly from 6pm-9pm currently, the rip current becomes extremely strong. Not even the strongest of swimmers would be able to contend with these kinds of conditions. If the lifeguards hadn’t been there, the outcome would have been very different.’
The incident highlights the risk of swimming near the mouth of the river at Summerleaze. While this area may appear flat and safe for swimming, the currents under the water can be very strong. If you’re swimming at the beach please choose to stay between the red and yellow flags
The following morning on Wednesday 6th August, the Bude RNLI Lifeboat launched to an almost identical incident in exactly the same area, due to swimmers being caught in the rip current.
Ross added: ‘With small tides and good weather forecast, we are urging beachgoers to stay vigilant when choosing where and when to swim. It is essential that people choose a lifeguarded beach, and stay between the red and yellow flags where our lifeguard teams can keep an eye on you and your loved ones.’
The RNLI's advice is to:
- Choose a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags, which is the area most closely monitored by the lifeguards.
- The charity’s advice for anyone struggling in the water is ‘Float to Live’:
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Tilt your head back, with your ears submerged
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Relax and try to breathe normally
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Move your hands and feet to help you stay afloat
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It’s fine if your legs sink, we all float differently
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Practise floating in a local pool if you can.
If you see someone else struggling in water:
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Call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.
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Tell the person to relax and float on their back.
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Throw something buoyant to help them stay afloat.
For more information visit RNLI.org/Float
Notes to Editors
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Spokespeople are available for interview – please contact the press office on the details below
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Follow the link to see which beaches currently have RNLI lifeguard patrols here
Media contacts
For more information please contact Colleen Semple, Communications Placement on [email protected] or Amy Caldwell, Regional Communications Manager on [email protected] or Emma Haines, Regional Communications Manager on [email protected], or RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 or via [email protected]
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.
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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.