Busy spell for RNLI lifeguards in Newquay as Boardmasters Festival approaches

On Sunday 3 August, an RNLI lifeguard at Fistral Beach saved the life of a swimmer after they had been dragged out by a sudden rip current.

The incident occurred towards the edge of the red and yellow flagged area, where a sudden flash rip current formed, dragging the casualty out. RNLI Lifeguard Niamh McCabe responded immediately, grabbing a rescue board and paddling out to assist. When Niamh reached the casualty, they were intermittently submerged under the water and calling out for help.

Thanks to the quick actions of Niamh, the swimmer was safely returned to the beach, where casualty care was carried out by the lifeguard team. This rescue is considered to have been a ‘life saved’, meaning the casualty almost certainly would have drowned without lifeguard intervention.

RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor Andy Thomas said:

‘This type of rescue demonstrates just how quickly conditions can change. Our teams are highly trained and prepared to respond quickly. We have had a very busy summer so far on our Newquay beaches, and we only expect this to continue for the rest of the summer holiday period.’

‘With Boardmasters Festival coming up, we are preparing for a very busy week. Much like every year, we will be pulling in resources, equipment and lifeguards to support us here in Newquay. Laster year, our Lifeguards in Newquay saved three lives and performed more than 100 rescues over the Boardmasters weekend.

‘We would like to urge beachgoers to choose a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags. Rip currents can occur very suddenly, and staying within the designated swimming area means our lifeguards can keep you safe.’

The RNLI's advice is to:

- Choose a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags, which is the area most closely monitored by the lifeguards.

- The charity’s advice for anyone struggling in the water is ‘Float to Live’:

• Tilt your head back, with your ears submerged

• Relax and try to breathe normally

• Move your hands and feet to help you stay afloat

• It’s fine if your legs sink, we all float differently

• Practise floating in a local pool if you can.

If you see someone else struggling in water:

• Call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.

• Tell the person to relax and float on their back.

• Throw something buoyant to help them stay afloat.

For more information visit RNLI.org/Float

Notes to Editors

• Spokespeople are available for interview – please contact the press office on the details below

• Follow the link to see which beaches currently have RNLI lifeguard patrols here

Media contacts

For more information please contact Colleen Semple, Communications Placement on [email protected] or Amy Caldwell, Regional Communications Manager on [email protected] or Emma Haines, Regional Communications Manager on [email protected], or RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 or via [email protected]