Busy Saturday for RNLI lifeguards at Fistral beach

Just five minutes into their shift, lifeguards spotted two learner surfers struggling at the northern end of the beach in a strong rip current in front of the rocks.

The Rescue Water Craft (RWC) was immediately launched and the lifeguards returned the surfers to shore where no further casualty care was required.

A couple of hours later at 1pm RNLI lifeguard Otis Perry was called into action when a swimmer was spotted by his colleagues struggling in the water between the red and yellow flags. Using the RWC, Otis safely brought the casualty back to shore.

At 2:30pm, lifeguards spotted another learner surfer in difficulty in the same strong rip current at the northern end of the beach, with the casualty struggling to return to shore.

Lifeguard Gabe Llewellyn launched the RWC, and the surfer was brought safely back to shore.

The busy day didn’t end there for the lifeguards, and they were approached by a member of the public who had suffered a suspected fractured collar bone in the surf.

Lifeguards transported the casualty to the lifeguard facility, provided painkillers and put them in a sling before advising they visit hospital.

Lead Lifeguard Supervisor for Newquay, Lewis Timson, said: ‘Saturday was a busy day for our lifeguards, but they did an excellent job of keeping the public safe.

‘Rip currents can be difficult to spot, but are sometimes identified by a channel of churning, choppy water on the sea's surface, so don’t be afraid to ask lifeguards for advice. They will show you how you can identify and avoid rips.

‘With warm weather expected for the rest of the week and into the weekend we urge people to visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags as this is the area most closely monitored by lifeguards.

'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.'

Media contacts

For more information, please contact Adam Cleary 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 81880.