Busy Easter weekend for Bantham RNLI lifeguards

Over the Easter weekend (18-21 April) RNLI lifeguards at Bantham beach in Devon were tasked to a range of incidents, from a surfer being dragged out hundreds of metres to sea in a rip current, to major first aid incidents on the beach.

Senior RNLI lifeguard Noah Hindley came to the aid of the surfer who had been dragged out to sea in a strong rip current outside of lifeguarded zones and close to the River Avon, picking the surfer up with the Rescue Water Craft (RWC) and returning them safely to shore.

Meanwhile, Senior RNLI lifeguards Daisy Womack and Matt Liptrott were tasked with responding to Burgh Island after a kite surfer was seen to be in distress hundreds of metres out to sea in strong offshore winds. The pair launched the RWC and with Matt's help the casualty was able to be brought onto the sled at the back of the RWC and was taken back to shore safely.

The team also noticed a group of seven surfers struggling in a strong rip current on a neighbouring beach and senior RNLI lifeguards Daisy and Noah launched the RWC immediately.

Making best speed the team arrived on scene to find that several of the surfers had been helped by another surfer and were now back on shore. However, one surfer was still struggling. Helped onto the sled by Noah and taken into the beach by Daisy, the surfer was returned safely.

Seasonal Lifeguard Supervisor, Luke Lane-Prokopiou, said: ‘We have had a busy weekend down here with lots of sun and surf, and the team having to deal with rescues, assists and major first aids.

‘The team of Senior Lifeguards Noah Hindley, Daisy Womack, and Matt Liptrott dealt with a number of rescues and assists in the water as well as three major first aids on the beach.

‘The incidents included the rescue of two people from a sailing dingy who had ended up in the water after their mast had snapped, and the first aids included two dislocations.

‘The lifeguards will be back on Bantham Beach this weekend (26 and 27 April) before returning daily for the summer on Saturday 3 May.’

RNLI lifeguards are urging the public to take these essential precautions:

· Always check the tide times.

· Plan your route, especially if you're walking along the base of cliffs or exploring coves.

· Allow plenty of time to return to safe ground—don’t assume you can beat the tide back.

· Keep an eye on the sea and look for warning signs of the tide turning.

· If you're unsure, ask lifeguards or locals for advice—they know the area best.

· In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

With warmer weather and more visitors expected in the coming weeks, lifeguards are reminding everyone to respect the sea, stay alert, and never underestimate the speed at which the tide can change.

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