Family trapped on island among multiple rescues for Devon and Cornwall's RNLI
Other incidents this week included two swimmers caught in a rip current
Last updated 23rd Jun 2022
RNLI lifeguards across Cornwall and Devon have dealt with multiple incidents in the last week, including a major first aid, two people caught in a rip current and a family on stand-up paddleboards trapped on an island.
With summer upon us, the charity is urging those visiting the coast to choose a lifeguarded beach and heed safety advice.
Rip Current Rescue at Porthtowan
On Friday evening (17 June) Porthtowan RNLI lifeguards had packed up for the day and were attending a training session on the beach using the in-shore rescue boat (IRB).
At about 6:30pm, the off-duty lifeguards and a member of the local surf lifesaving club were approached by a member of the public informing them that there were two swimmers a significant distance out to sea and their family was beginning to worry.
Shortly after the lifeguards had been approached, the swimmers started waving towards the shore for assistance and appeared to be caught in a rip current.
The off-duty lifeguards launched the IRB and pulled the swimmers, who were exhausted and shaken up, from the sea before reuniting them with their family.
St Agnes Cliff Rescue Team and in-shore lifeboat also arrived on scene and communicated with the lifeguards following the rescue.
Injured Surfer at Newquay
On Saturday (18 June) Newquay RNLI lifeguards were alerted to an incident at Towan beach involving somebody who had sustained an injury whilst surfing.
They were spotted stepping off their surfboard into very shallow water and appeared to be in a lot of pain having nastily dislocated their ankle.
RNLI lifeguards worked together with Newquay Cliff Rescue Team and the critical care team from Cornwall Air Ambulance who arrived via land.
Together, they treated the casualty on the beach and were transferred to an ambulance and taken to the nearest hospital.
Trapped Paddleboarders at Burgh Island
Also, on Saturday (18 June) Sedgewell RNLI lifeguards were alerted to an incident involving a family of four (two adults, two young children) who were blown out to sea on stand-up paddleboards and left stranded around the back of Burgh island.
The family had an aqua pack carrying a mobile phone so luckily they were able to phone 999 and ask for the Coastguard who could then task the lifeguards and nearby independent lifeboat at Hope Cove to their aid.
RNLI lead lifeguard supervisor, Rob Stuteley says: "The incident at Sedgewell highlights just how important it is to always carry a means of calling for help and to know what to do if you find yourself caught in a difficult situation.
"Having the aqua pack protected their device from any water and meant that they were able to contact the coastguard who could then communicate with the lifeguards and lifeboat.
"Sedgewell lifeguards launched the IRB and safely returned the family to Challaborough beach".
How can I stay safe on the coast?
The RNLI is urging anyone visiting the coast 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 find more sea, coastal and beach safety advice on the RNLI's website.