Newquay RNLI lifeguards to feature on BBC’s Saving Lives at Sea

Airing on Thursday 18 September at 8pm on BBC Two, the episode features the rescue of a bodyboarder who had been pulled out by a dangerous rip current at Crantock beach in Cornwall.

RNLI Lifeguard Harry Mellor and Senior RNLI Alexandros Gkosime were alerted to the casualty by his nephew, who had witnessed his uncle suddenly swept out of his depth, and struggling to make it back to safety.

Alexandros wasted no time in launching the Rescue Water Craft (RWC), with Harry on the sled. The outgoing tide and strong rip current, partnered with an offshore wind created very difficult conditions.

After navigating the challenging water, Alexandros and Harry locate the casualty and return him to the safety of the shore, reuniting him with his family.

RNLI Lead Lifeguard Supervisor for Newquay, Lewis Timson, said:

‘We are excited to see that the team who provide safety patrols at Crantock feature again on this season of Saving Lives at Sea. It is a real testament to how incident heavy the beaches in Newquay can be for our lifeguard teams. Rescues involving rip currents make up the majority of rescues carried out by RNLI lifeguards, and this rescue demonstrates the quick thinking and preparedness required by our lifeguards. Alexandros and Harry did an outstanding job, and we are very proud of them.’

The tenth series of Saving Lives at Sea shares real RNLI rescues from around the UK and Ireland, told through the real accounts of RNLI lifeguards and volunteer lifeboat crews. From dramatic rescues far out at sea to everyday incidents on the coast, the programme offers unique insight into the lifesaving work of the charity.

This rescue will be featured in the episode broadcast on Thursday 18 September at 8pm on BBC Two, and will also be available on BBC iPlayer.