RNLI lifeguards at Chapel Porth beach tasked to rescue two swimmers

RNLI lifeguard Josh Leigh and Senior Lifeguard Maddie Squires were in the lifeguard patrol vehicle on the water’s edge keeping an eye on water users when they saw a swimmer who had been dragged by the current to the side of the red and yellow flags, raise their hand and call for assistance.

Seeing the danger, Josh immediately grabbed the rescue board and paddled quickly towards what turned out to be two swimmers who were being pulled 50 metres out to sea and around the southern headland of the beach by a strong rip current.

On arrival at the scene, Josh saw that one of the casualties was being held up by the other casualty, who was below the surface of the water.

Josh pulled one of the casualties onto the rescue board while the other held onto the board for support. Fellow RNLI lifeguard Hector Jessoll who had been completing a water patrol came to assist. Hector took the other casualty on his rescue board and transported hm back to shore, while Josh continued with the more distressed casualty and paddled through the surf to get him back to shore.

Senior Lifeguard Maddie met the casualties to complete a post-rescue assessment and Josh provided one of the rescued swimmers with a glucose gel after he had vomited due to swallowing water, before advising him to seek medical attention with a safe discharge form.

Seasonal Lifeguard Supervisor, Drustan Ward, said: ‘This incident highlights the importance of swimming between the red and yellow flags, where the lifeguards can see you, with a friend, and how to raise a hand to signal for assistance if you find yourself in trouble in the water.

‘Rip currents can be difficult to spot, but are sometimes identified by a channel of churning, choppy water on the sea's surface, so don’t be afraid to ask lifeguards for advice. They will show you how you can identify and avoid rips.’

The best way to avoid a rip current is to choose a lifeguarded beach and always swim between the red and yellow flags, which have been marked based on where is safer to swim in the current conditions. This also helps you to be spotted more easily, should something go wrong.

Lifeguards will be on Chapel Porth beach every day throughout the summer between 10am and 6pm. Find your nearest lifeguarded beach here - https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeguarded-beaches

Notes to editors:

For more information, please contact Adam Cleary on [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on [email protected] or 01202 336789. Alternatively, you can contact Emma Haines, Regional Communications Manager on [email protected] or 07786 668847; Amy Caldwell, Regional Communications Lead on [email protected] or 07920 818807.