Busy weekend for RNLI lifeguards in North Devon
RNLI lifeguards at Woolacombe beach and Croyde beach were tasked to assist numerous casualties over the weekend.
On Saturday 26 April, RNLI lifeguard Ethan Ivall spotted two surfers who had drifted into a strong rip current near Mill Rock at Woolacombe beach. Acting quickly, Ethan, alongside Senior Lifeguard Alfie Berry launched the Rescue Water Craft (RWC) and made his way out to the casualty.
Ethan reached the surfer furthest out first, bringing her safely back to shore before returning to assist the second casualty.
After both casualties were safely on land, Ethan provided safety advice to swimmers in the area, warning them about the dangerous rip current. Although the area near Mill Rock is not officially patrolled until peak season, RNLI lifeguards regularly monitor it with binoculars to maintain beach safety.
The RNLI lifeguards at Woolcombe beach were called into action again on Sunday 27 April when a surfer was spotted being swept out to sea by a sudden flash rip current.
Recognising the danger, lifeguard John Herries immediately responded by paddling out on a rescue board. Upon reaching the surfer, he provided reassurance and essential safety advice before towing the casualty out of the rip current and safely back to shore.
There were also rescues at nearby Croyde beach with two bodyboarders being helped by RNLI lifeguards after drifting away from the red and yellow flags.
Seasonal Lifeguard Supervisor, Amy Edmonds, said: ‘We have had a busy weekend here with the team dealing with a number of rescues.
‘The quick thinking of our lifeguards has helped to keep beachgoers safe, and it highlights the importance of visiting a lifeguarded beach if you’re planning a trip to the coast in the coming weeks.
‘The lifeguards will be back on Woolacombe and Croyde beaches from this coming Saturday (3 May) and will be there daily throughout the summer season until 28 September.’
With an increase in visitors to beaches expected as we head into the Early May Bank Holiday weekend, the RNLI is urging the public to choose a lifeguarded beach where possible.
Gareth Morrison, Head of Water Safety for the RNLI said: ‘With the warm weather forecast this week, we want to remind everyone to stay safe when visiting the coast. Whilst the air temperature will be high, water temperature remain dangerously cold.
‘If possible, choose a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.
‘If you get into trouble in the water, Float to Live; tilt your head back with ears submerged and try to relax and control your breathing. Use your hands to help you stay afloat and then call for help or swim to safety if you can. It's OK if your legs sink, we all float differently.
‘In any coastal emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.’
Media contacts:
For more information, please contact Adam Cleary Communications Placement on [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on [email protected] or 01202 336789. Alternatively, you can contact Emma Haines, Regional Communications Manager, [email protected] or 07786 668847; Amy Caldwell, Regional Communications Lead, [email protected] or 07920 818807.
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.
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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
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