Two lives saved as conditions keep South Cornwall RNLI lifeguards busy

This Saturday marks the conclusion of the South Cornwall RNLI lifeguards' Peak Induction, as all the area's lifeguarded beaches become operational for the summer. Daily, 10am to 6pm patrols will commence at Gyllyngvase, Kennack Sands, Poldhu, Gunwalloe, Porthleven, Praa Sands, Perranuthnoe and Marazion, while Polurrian will be lifeguarded on weekends and Bank Holidays. The expanded service provides increased coverage across South Cornwall as the region enters the busiest period of the summer season.

Throughout the week, a combination of prolonged hot weather and strong easterly winds has created hazardous conditions on many beaches. South and east-facing beaches have experienced significant swell, powerful currents and rapidly changing conditions, resulting in multiple rescues and medical incidents.

On Tuesday (14 July) at Kennack Sands, RNLI lifeguards spotted four swimmers outside the red and yellow flags and directed them back to shore. While two returned safely, the other two were caught in a rip current flowing past the rocks. Senior Lifeguard, Nell Packer, entered the water on a rescue board, navigating challenging 4-foot surf to reach the casualties before bringing them safely back to the beach.

One of the swimmers was exhausted and was unlikely to have remained afloat much longer. The swift actions of the RNLI lifeguards were instrumental in preventing what could have become a tragic outcome.

On Wednesday (15 July), RNLI lifeguards at Gyllyngvase Beach successfully saved the life of a swimmer who got into difficulty after being caught in a rip current, pushing him out of his depth. By the time the lifeguards reached the casualty, he was only just above the surface of the water. Their rapid intervention and immediate lifesaving actions proved critical, highlighting the vital role trained lifeguards play in protecting those enjoying the coast.

While the majority of visitors enjoyed the coastline safely, these incidents serve as a timely reminder that even on warm, sunny days the sea can present serious and rapidly changing hazards. Lifeguards continue to urge anyone visiting the coast to choose a lifeguarded beach, heed the advice of the RNLI lifeguard team, and only enter the water when it is safe to do so.

Both Gyllyngvase Beach and Kennack Sands have seen consistent swell throughout the week, with deteriorating conditions requiring lifeguards to raise the red flags at times to prevent people from entering the sea when it became unsafe. Strong rip currents have also developed, increasing the risk to swimmers and other water users.

The strong easterly winds have also created challenging offshore conditions on many west and north-facing beaches. Offshore winds can quickly carry inflatables, paddleboards and other watercraft away from the shore, placing people at significant risk.

South Cornwall Lifeguards are urging everyone planning a visit to the coast to make safety their priority by following a few simple pieces of advice:

• Choose a lifeguarded beach whenever possible and swim between the red and yellow flags.
• Check the beach conditions and always follow the advice of the lifeguards.
• Be aware of offshore winds, which can rapidly carry inflatables and Standup Paddleboards (SUPs) out to sea. If in doubt, don't use inflatables in windy conditions.
• If you find yourself in difficulty in the water, remember Float to Live: tilt your head back, relax, extend your arms and legs, and control your breathing until you can call for help or recover enough to reach safety.
• In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Adam Harris, RNLI Lead Lifeguard Supervisor for South Cornwall Lifeguards said:

‘The combination of very warm weather and strong easterly winds has made for an exceptionally busy start to the summer. We've seen challenging conditions across a number of our beaches, particularly those facing south and east where large swell and strong currents have developed. We'd like to thank the public for listening to our advice when red flags have been displayed and remind everyone that choosing a lifeguarded beach and swimming between the flags remains the safest way to enjoy the coast.

‘With all of our seasonal beaches becoming operational from Saturday, we're looking forward to providing increased cover across South Cornwall as we enter the busiest period of the summer. We encourage everyone to speak to the lifeguards before entering the water and enjoy the coastline safely.’

Notes to editors:

• Daily lifeguard cover is available between 10am to 6pm at Gyllyngvase, Kennack Sands, Poldhu, Gunwalloe, Porthleven, Praa Sands, Perranuthnoe and Marazion, while Polurrian will be lifeguarded on weekends and Bank Holidays.

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Annabelle Spiers, communications placement at [email protected] or on 07521943895

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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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