Summer rescues prompt RNLI safety reminder as cover reduces for autumn season

On Tuesday 11 August, RNLI lifeguards Adam Taylor and Evie Bruce at Holywell Bay were alerted by Falmouth Coastguard to reports of a lone paddleboarder struggling approximately one mile offshore and unable to return to the beach.

The lifeguard team launched the IRB (Inshore Rescue Boat) and headed to the reported location. During the search they were alerted by a member of the public on nearby cliffs pointing frantically out to sea. After travelling out from Kelsey Head, Evie spotted a paddleboard in the distance with a casualty submerged in the water next to it.

When they reached the casualty, the paddleboarder was exhausted and being carried towards nearby cliffs after losing their paddle.

The RNLI lifeguards reassured the casualty and safely brought them aboard the IRB, working alongside Newquay RNLI lifeboat to secure the paddleboard before returning them to shore. Following an assessment on the beach, the casualty was reunited with their family while Newquay RNLI lifeboat returned the paddleboard safely back to shore.

RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor Drustan Ward said:

‘This was a fantastic example of multi-agency teamwork, with RNLI lifeguards, Falmouth Coastguard and Newquay RNLI lifeboat working together to bring the incident to a safe conclusion. I'd also like to recognise lifeguard Evie, whose excellent observation skills helped identify the paddleboarder in difficulty offshore, allowing us to locate and reach the casualty quickly.

We'd encourage anyone visiting the coast to choose a lifeguarded beach, swim and surf between the red and yellow flags where possible and check the conditions before heading into the water.’

With the main summer season ending, beachgoers are reminded that RNLI lifeguard patrol times are changing. Dorset's lifeguard season ends on 27 September, while a number of beaches in Devon, Cornwall and Jersey will continue to be patrolled at weekends from 3 to 18 October and during the October half-term holidays.

Full-time patrols will remain in place until 1 November at Cornwall's busiest beaches, including Fistral, Perranporth, Porthmeor and Sennen. Visitors are encouraged to check local beach patrol times before travelling and, wherever possible, choose a lifeguarded beach.

RNLI Regional Lifeguard Lead Henry Saddler-Irvine said:

'Our lifeguards have once again done an outstanding job during a busy and warm summer. They have demonstrated professionalism, resilience and teamwork every day, often in challenging conditions, to help keep people safe along our coastline.

I'd like to thank all of our lifeguards and support teams for their dedication throughout the season. Their efforts have made a real difference to the communities and visitors we serve, and they should be proud of the impact they've had this summer.'

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