Mass rescue at popular beach in Newquay sparks RNLI safety warning
Nine bodyboarders and one swimmer were being dragged outside of the flags
Last updated 6th Aug 2022
Newquay RNLI lifeguards have dealt with multiple rescues, assists and lost children since the beginning of the summer holidays, including a mass rescue at Fistral.
The incident involved 10 people who got into difficulty in the water and were dragged outside of the red and yellow flags.
Shortly afterwards, another incident occurred involving a person in difficulty caught in a strong rip current and struggling to return to shore.
And in addition, RNLI lifeguards dealt with eight lost children in one day at Fistral beach in Newquay on Monday (1st August).
With the summer holidays in full swing and another spell of sunny weather looming, the RNLI is urging beachgoers to be vigilant when entering the water and always keep a close eye on your family, both on the beach and in the water.
Fistral RNLI lifeguards were carrying out a routine patrol when they suddenly spotted a group of bathers in danger in the water waving for help. Nine bodyboarders and one swimmer were dragged approximately 75 meters out to sea in a strong prevailing rip current outside of the red and yellow flags.
RNLI lifeguards Roddy Brook and Zion Pettigrove, picked up a rescue board each and immediately entered the water paddling quickly to the group’s aid. When they arrived on scene, the lifeguards worked together paddling back and forth returning the 10 casualties safely to shore.
Due to the smaller (neap) tides coupled with multiple sand holes and trenches across the beach, the currents remained strong and relentless throughout the day contributing to dangerous sea conditions across the entire stretch of coast.
"These conditions prove just how powerful rip currents can be"
Senior RNLI lifeguard Arron Evans says: "This was a mass rescue which involved two of our lifeguards going back and forth on rescue boards and RNLI lifeguard Angel Daimay also supporting them on the shoreline – it was an amazing team effort in challenging sea conditions.
"These conditions prove just how powerful rip currents can be and how suddenly the sea state can change. As professional lifeguards, we have the local knowledge of rip currents and areas that are renowned for being dangerous so we always prepare and assess according to the conditions which constantly change throughout the day.
"During a mass rescue, it's so important to keep an eye on the wider picture so immediately after this incident we made the decision to red flag the entire beach and reassess the sea conditions.
"After careful consideration we decided to open a small bathing area so we could keep a condensed vision and advise anybody who entered the water to remain at waist-depth and keep a close eye on whoever they were in the water with".
Shortly after the beach was re-opened, Arron Evans launched the Rescue Water Craft (RWC) to constantly patrol the bathing area and advise the public to remain close to shore. Arron then spotted another person in difficulty shouting for help – a strong rip current had pulled them out to sea and they were struggling to swim back to shore.
The casualty, Darren Callander, said: "As a family we have been visiting Cornwall for the past five years and with two children, now aged 12 and 13, having RNLI lifeguards present on the beaches we visit gives us great peace of mind.
"Thankfully, up until last week we have never needed their assistance, however, last week the speed in which the lifeguard came to my rescue was incredibly quick and I cannot thank them all enough for the care I received that day, it was greatly appreciated – who knows what the outcome would have been if the RNLI hadn't been on the beach that day to help me".
Arron added: "The sea state can change very quickly and if you find yourself suddenly caught in a rip current it’s important to follow this safety advice:
· Swim parallel to the shore until free of the rip and then head for shore
· Do not try to swim against the rip current or you’ll get exhausted
· Always raise your hand and shout for help".
Fistral RNLI lifeguards also rescued an experienced surfer on Sunday (31st July) who suddenly felt his blood sugar level rapidly drop and as a result began to lose consciousness. Thankfully, the surfer continued to lie down hugging his surfboard as a floatation device.
Two people spotted the casualty floating on a surfboard and quickly swam over to them. They held his head up out of the water and the entire surfing line-up nearby waved for help.
RNLI lifeguard, Riley Mee, immediately launched the RWC and picked up the surfer on the back of the rescue sled. Fortunately, he had regained consciousness whilst still in the water and after providing casualty care the lifeguards called 999 and requested an ambulance for further assessment.
In addition to rescuing casualties getting into difficulty in the water, on Monday (1st August) alone, RNLI lifeguards at Fistral also dealt with eight missing children, which included children as young as four years old. Thankfully all children were quickly reunited with their families and very grateful for the lifeguards' care.
What is the key safety advice?
The RNLI is urging anyone visiting the coast this summer to make sure they keep themselves and their families safe by following beach safety advice:
• Visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.
• Check the weather forecast, tide times and read local hazard signage to understand local risks.
• Keep a close eye on your family – on the beach and in the water – don’t allow your family to swim alone.
• If you fall into the water unexpectedly, FLOAT TO LIVE. Fight your instinct to thrash around, lean back, extend your arms and legs, and float.
• In an emergency dial 999/112 and ask for the Coastguard.
You can read more sea and beach safety advice, including the vital 'Float to Live' message, on the RNLI's website.