‘The Waves Were Going Over My Head’: Bodyboarder Rescued from Rip Current at Crantock

Lifeguards praised after dramatic rescue on Cornish beach

A bodyboarder was rescued by lifeguards at Crantock Beach after being caught in a dangerous rip current and swept onto rocks at the far end of the beach.

Josh, who had been bodyboarding in the sea, described the terrifying moment he was overpowered by the waves.

“The waves were going over my head, I nearly drowned! I was so grateful to see the lifeguards,” he said.

Thankfully, RNLI lifeguards Alexandros and Harry spotted him in trouble and acted quickly to bring him to safety.

Rip currents can catch anyone out

The RNLI says rip currents are strong, narrow channels of fast-moving water that can drag even the most confident swimmers away from shore. The charity is urging beachgoers to always choose a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.

If you ever get caught in a rip current, their advice is:

• Stay calm and signal for help from the lifeguards

• Don’t try to swim against it – you’ll get exhausted

• Swim parallel to the shore until you’re free of the rip, then head to the beach

• If you can’t swim out, Float to Live

• Always raise your hand and shout for help

If you see someone in difficulty in the water, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.

Find a lifeguarded beach

To stay safe at the coast, always check RNLI lifeguarded beach locations before heading out.