Busy half-term week for RNLI lifeguards in the south west

The Bank Holiday weekend (24-26 May) saw an increase in visitors to beaches in the south west and on Sunday (25 May), RNLI lifeguard lifeguard Agustin was tasked to rescue two casualties who had got into difficulty when swimming at Watergate Bay. Agustin responded on the Rescue Water Craft (RWC), returning the pair safely to shore.

RNLI lifeguards were called into action up the coast at Harlyn on Tuesday (27 May) when a local surfer fell off his surfboard sustaining an injury to his back.

The lifeguards quickly identified it was a serious injury, helping the casualty onto a spinal board and providing him with care before the ambulance arrived.

Leon Bennett, Lead Lifeguard Supervisor for Padstow, said: ‘The lifeguards were quick to identify this was a spinal injury, got the spinal board down and acted as a team to carry the casualty to the top of the beach where they were met with paramedics and the critical care team.

‘The casualty was also extremely cold, so the team got blankets on him and provided him with oxygen before the paramedics conducted their checks.

‘I am proud of the way the lifeguards reacted to a serious incident like this, and they ensured the casualty received the best care possible before he was taken to hospital by ambulance.’

The following day (Wednesday) lifeguards at Harlyn were tasked to rescue two stand-up paddleboarders who had been blown towards neighbouring beach Trevone. Later the same day lifeguards at Trevone rescued four children who were being swept out to sea while bodyboarding.

RNLI lifeguards in North Devon have also been busy, with multiple rescues on Wednesday (28 May).

At Woolacombe beach, lifeguards Ben and Jacob spotted three swimmers waving for help. Ben, on the RWC reached them first, while Jacob followed on a rescue board. Together, they successfully rescued the casualties and provided casualty care until emergency services arrived.

Meanwhile, down the coast at Croyde, lifeguards John and Mack responded swiftly when a group of swimmers were caught in a flash rip current. John directed the rescue from shore while Mack launched on the RWC to assist. Thanks to their quick actions, everyone was brought safely back to shore.

Amy Edmonds, Lead Lifeguard Supervisor for North Devon, said: ‘Our lifeguards at Croyde and Woolcombe have been kept busy with multiple rescues along the North Devon coastline.

‘Thanks to the quick-thinking and teamwork of RNLI lifeguards, lives were saved on our beaches with everybody brought safely back to shore.

‘This incident shows the importance of visiting a lifeguarded beach and our lifeguards will be on Woolcambe and Croyde beaches everyday this summer between 10am and 6pm.'

RNLI lifeguards are urging the public to take these essential precautions:

• Always check the tide times.
• Plan your route, especially if you're walking along the base of cliffs or exploring coves.
• Allow plenty of time to return to safe ground—don’t assume you can beat the tide back.
• Keep an eye on the sea and look for warning signs of the tide turning.
• If you're unsure, ask lifeguards or locals for advice—they know the area best.
• In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Media contacts:

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, [email protected] or 07786 668847; Amy Caldwell, Regional Communications Lead, [email protected] or 07920 818807.

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.