Lifeguards Rush to Rescue Three Swimmers Caught in Rip Current at Duckpool Beach

Bude’s inshore lifeboat and a team of RNLI lifeguards were called into action on Saturday, 3rd August, after receiving reports of three people in difficulty at Duckpool beach, located three miles north of Bude. The incident, which unfolded at around 2:15 pm, highlights the dangers of swimming at unguarded beaches along the Cornish coastline.

Emergency Response Activated

The alarm was raised by Falmouth, alerting the lifeguards at Sandymouth beach, who immediately made their way to the scene on foot. At the same time, lifeguards from Summerleaze beach launched their rescue water craft (RWC) to provide additional support.

Upon their arrival at Duckpool, the lifeguards found that the three swimmers, who had been caught in a rip current and pulled out to sea, had managed to make it back to shore. The casualties were then met by the lifeguards, who transferred them to the coastguard rescue team for a thorough medical assessment.

Importance of Lifeguarded Beaches

The RNLI lifeboat crew and lifeguards made sure that there were no other individuals in the water before returning to their stations. On their way back, they conducted preventive checks near the campsite at Northcott and kept an eye on conditions at Summerleaze beach while escorting the RWC back.

The RNLI emphasises the importance of swimming at lifeguarded beaches, where safety advice and supervised swimming areas are available. This year, the coastline around Bude has been particularly hazardous due to strong rip currents. Duckpool beach, where the incident occurred, is one of the many unguarded beaches in the area.

Stay Safe: Visit Lifeguarded Beaches

The RNLI has lifeguards stationed daily from 10 am to 6 pm at several beaches in the Bude area, including Sandymouth, Northcott, Crooklets, Summerleaze, Widemouth, Blackrock, and Crackington. However, Duckpool beach, where the incident took place, is not lifeguarded.

Visitors are urged to always swim at lifeguarded beaches and to be aware of the dangers posed by rip currents. If you see someone in difficulty on the coast, whether in or out of the water, you should immediately call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of the sea and the vital role of the RNLI in keeping beachgoers safe.