RNLI lifeguards and St Agnes RNLI lifeboat crew tasked to rescue at Chapel Porth
RNLI lifeguards and St Agnes RNLI lifeboat crew tasked to rescue at Chapel Porth
Lifeguards News Release
A surfer was spotted struggling at the northern cut off of Chapel Porth beach and required assistance from RNLI lifeguards and St Agnes lifeboat crew on 27 April.
The surfer had been spotted waving his hands and pointing, alerting RNLI lifeguards at Chapel Porth beach in Cornwall that he required immediate help.
When lifeguards arrived at the scene it was confirmed that the surfer had experienced some difficulty in a rip current off Chapel Porth and was being taken further around the headland towards Tubby’s Head.
With the surfer exhausted and unable to self-recover, St Agnes RNLI lifeboat crews were tasked and made the decision to return the casualty to Trevaunance Cove where he received a casualty care assessment.
The lifeboat was recovered and washed down, before being refuelled and made ready for service for the next incident.
Seasonal Lifeguard Supervisor, Drustan Ward said: ‘The surfer did absolutely the right thing by raising his arm for help, alerting the lifeguards to the fact he needed some assistance. The rip currents at Chapel Porth can become very strong, so we urge people to take extra care and know what to do if you get stuck.’
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. Currently Sennen, Porthmeor, Perranporth and Fistral have lifeguards on patrol this week, with more beaches opening on Saturday 3 May.
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
The RNLI charity 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 146,000 lives.
