RNLI lifeguards at Crantock beach rescue two beach goers

RNLI Lifeguards were preparing to end their shift and leave the beach when they spotted three people enter the water at the north end of Crantock beach. Lifeguard Harry Reed immediately warned the trio, advising them over the PA to the exit the water due to the dangerous conditions.

With the time approaching 5:55 pm, a further PA was made, requesting the three to exit the water. During this time one of the swimmers made it back to shore, but the remaining two, a young man and woman, appeared to signal for help before being suddenly swept out, disappearing from view. Lifeguards Anthony Kilday and Greg Spray quickly launched two rescue boards, where the challenging conditions made it made it difficult to locate the casualties.

Just as they were beginning to fear that the two had gone under, Greg spotted the young man signalling from where he had been swept onto some rocks, indicating to his companion who had been injured. After navigating through the surf and rocks, Greg was able to get the injured girl onto the rescue board and paddle her back to shore. Anthony, who had been searching in the rip, returned through the large surf and got the man off the rocks and back to the beach.

The girl had sustained multiple cuts, bruises and abrasions, and had also swallowed a lot of water. The male casualty was shocked but uninjured. Transport was arranged for the casualties to be taken to A&E to ensure that they weren’t at risk of secondary drowning.

RNLI lifeguards Elenie Shotton and Freya Lock along with Harry had since taken over carrying out casualty care and kept the rest of the group calm and soothed whilst they awaited transport.

RNLI Lifeguard Greg Spray said: ‘The two casualties rescued were ultimately very lucky. A couple of minutes more and we would have already left the beach. As the tide was dropping, they would have been either stuck there until the Coastguard or lifeboat were alerted or may have attempted to do something rash while cold, tired and hurt.

The lifeguard team did so well. Harry as Senior was a great team leader, coordinator and expertly handled the truck in difficult terrain. Elenie did an amazing job with all the casualty care and keeping everyone calm alongside Freya. RNLI Lifeguard Gonzalo Sevald also took over with the post incident aftercare of the casualties. This was textbook teamwork.’

‘As the weather gets warmer, we are reminding anyone visiting the coast to make sure they keep themselves and their families safe by following our safety advice. For those who are venturing into the water, please visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.’

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’:

• Tilt your head back, with your ears submerged

• Relax and try to breathe normally

• Move your hands and feet to help you stay afloat

• It’s fine if your legs sink, we all float differently

• Practise floating in a local pool if you can.

If you see someone else struggling in water:

• Call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.

• Tell the person to relax and float on their back.

• Throw something buoyant to help them stay afloat.

For more information visit RNLI.org/Float

Notes to Editors

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

• Follow the link to see which beaches are currently lifeguarded here

Media contacts

For more information please contact Colleen Semple 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]