RNLI lifeguards in Cornwall respond to major incidents over August Bank Holiday

On Friday 22 August, RNLI lifeguards on Fistral in Newquay rescued 14 people, alongside several separate rescues throughout the day. In total, the RNLI lifeguard team carried out 40 rescues in just one day. In extremely challenging surf conditions, the lifeguard team worked tirelessly to bring everyone safely back to shore and continue to deliver highest level of service to beachgoers.

On Saturday 23 August at Chapel Porth, an early-morning incident saw three bodyboarders dragged out by a strong rip current. Off-duty RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor Martyn Ward was surfing when he spotted the trio struggling to stay afloat in the water and distressed. Keeping everyone calm, Martyn towed each casualty back to shore one by one using his surfboard.

RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor for the Perranporth area, Drustan Ward, said: ‘Rip currents have consistently been the main cause for rescues, and we have seen incidents similar to the mass rescue at Fistral on Friday, on most of the beaches in the Perranporth area, where multiple people have been swept out of their depth at once. Across the Bank Holiday weekend, we have responded to 49 incidents where our lifeguards have entered the water to rescue and assist people. It has been a remarkably busy weekend.

‘We have also worked closely with our local Cliff Rescue Teams and Surf Lifesaving Clubs, who have been patrolling the beaches after lifeguarding hours and advising the public against entering the water, especially in the large surf we have experienced on the north coast.’

In Bude on Saturday 23 August, RNLI lifeguards at Summerleaze beach were tasked by the Coastguard to two people in trouble behind the breakwater and out of the view of the lifeguards’ usual patrol area. RNLI Lifeguard Angus McGoldrick immediately paddled out on a rescue board. One casualty, the father, was unconscious, and his son was desperately trying to keep him afloat in the challenging conditions. RNLI Lifeguard Mini Fry arrived on scene immediately after Angus, and brought both casualties back to shore on the Rescue Water Craft (RWC). Both casualties were transported to hospital and returned on the Bank Holiday Monday to thank the lifeguard team for saving their lives.

On Monday 25 August, RNLI lifeguards at Tolcarne beach in Newquay responded to a major first aid incident after a man sustained a serious leg injury whilst skim boarding. The RNLI lifeguards provided immediate casualty care and worked alongside HM Coastguard volunteers and Cornwall Air Ambulance. The casualty was airlifted to hospital.

With conditions expected to continue to be challenging this week with large surf and strong rip currents, the RNLI is reminding people take extra care around the coast.

The charity’s Regional Lifeguard Lead Guy Botterill added: ‘Bank Holiday weekends are always a busy time for the RNLI lifeguard service, and this year was no exception. Our lifeguards showed incredible professionalism under pressure, rescuing multiple people and responding to serious incidents.

‘Off the back of Storm Erin, we have seen some unusually large swell build which has been made more dangerous by the current spring tides. The large influx of water coming into shore and rushing back out again has seen large rip currents form, and as a result has meant that many of our beaches were red flagged at the beginning of the week. We are expecting to see a brief lull in the conditions during the middle of this week before large swell is predicted to return on Friday.

We want to remind everyone visiting the coast to always choose a lifeguarded beach, between the operational hours of 10 am to 6pm and follow the safety advice so you can enjoy the water safely.’

RNLI Float to Live advice:

• Tilt your head back, submerging your ears

• Relax and control your breathing

• Move your hands and legs around to help you stay afloat

• Your legs may sink, that’s ok – we all float differently

• Practice swimming at a supervised location like a swimming pool.

RNLI advice if caught in a rip current:

• Don’t try to swim against it or you’ll get exhausted

• If you can stand, wade don’t swim

• If you can, swim parallel to the shore until free of the rip and then head for shore

• Always raise your hand and shout for help

• If you’re struggling, conserve your energy and Float to Live.

Notes to Editors

• RNLI lifeguards will be patrolled over 90 beaches across the south west throughout the Bank Holiday weekend

• Follow the link to see which beaches currently have RNLI lifeguard patrols here 

• Spokespeople are available for interview – please contact the press office on the details below

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]