RNLI lifeguards carry out critical rescues across Devon’s beaches

RNLI lifeguard teams were kept consistently busy throughout the weekend, responding to a high volume of incidents as people took to the sea. Across key locations including Challaborough, Sedgewell Cove, and Bantham, lifeguards dealt with more than 135 incidents, ranging from minor interventions and preventative actions to more serious rescues requiring a coordinated emergency response.

At Bantham Beach, which saw particularly high activity levels across the weekend in particular, the combination of warm weather and strong surf created challenging conditions in the water. Among the incidents attended was a rescue involving a nine-year-old child caught in a powerful rip current during a busy morning. Senior RNLI lifeguard Daisy Womack identified the danger from the tower and immediately initiated a response.

RNLI lifeguard Joe Robinson, on patrol aboard a Rescue Water Craft (RWC), was deployed and reached the scene within moments. The child, visibly exhausted, was recovered onto the RWC and brought safely back to shore, where immediate care was given before a precautionary trip to hospital.

As the warm weather continued, at Sandymere beach on the afternoon of 27 May, RNLI lifeguards monitoring conditions spotted a stand-up paddleboard far offshore— around 400 metres out to sea. As they moved to investigate, it quickly became clear the occupants were struggling to return against strengthening offshore winds.

RNLI lifeguard Jim Turner entered the water on a rescue board and made contact with the casualties, a father and son, who were unable to paddle back to shore. With the situation complicated by distance and conditions, Jim worked steadily to reassure them both before beginning a tow back towards safety. Support from Appledore RNLI’s inshore lifeboat (ILB) helped bring the pair to Westward Ho! slipway, where RNLI lifeguards completed the return to shore.

A further serious medical incident was also handled at Exmouth, where RNLI lifeguards played a key role in a successful life-saving outcome through a coordinated and timely response.

Henry Saddler-Irvine, RNLI Regional Lifeguard Lead said:

‘I’m incredibly proud of the way our lifeguards have responded over what has been an exceptionally busy period. Across Devon, teams have dealt with a high volume of incidents, often in challenging conditions, and have shown real professionalism, teamwork and resilience throughout.