Weekend of Heroics: Newquay Lifeguards Battle Rip Currents to Save Lives

RNLI lifeguards in Newquay issued urgent safety warnings following a busy weekend marked by multiple rescues, emphasising the risks posed by rip currents and other coastal hazards.

Six Rescued from Rip Current at Watergate Bay

On Saturday, 6 July, at around 2pm, RNLI lifeguards at Watergate Bay in Cornwall faced challenging conditions with big surf and significant water movement. Amidst these conditions, a family of four found themselves in difficulty after being swept out of their depth by a wave.

The vigilant lifeguards promptly responded, using rescue boards to reach and secure the family. They were safely brought back to shore, where casualty care checks were conducted. One family member required additional medical attention, prompting paramedics to transport them to the hospital for further assessment.

During the same rescue operation, lifeguards spotted two other individuals struggling in the strong rip current. Team members swiftly deployed a rescue tube, successfully bringing the pair back to safety.

The RNLI has reiterated crucial advice for those caught in rip currents:

• Don’t attempt to swim against the current to avoid exhaustion.
• If you can stand, wade rather than swim.
• Swim parallel to the shore until clear of the current, then head for shore.
• Raise your hand and shout for help.

Kayakers Rescued at Crantock Beach

Elsewhere in Newquay, RNLI lifeguards at Crantock Beach collaborated with Newquay RNLI’s volunteer lifeboat crew to rescue two kayakers in distress off Pentire Headland.

The incident began when lifeguards at Crantock observed two individuals launching an inflatable kayak at West Pentire. The kayakers soon found themselves drifting perilously towards rocks. Responding quickly, the lifeguards launched a Rescue Water Craft (RWC) and alerted Falmouth coastguard, who tasked Newquay Lifeboat for assistance.

Upon arrival, one kayaker remained on the inflatable, while the other was in the water near the rocks. The lifeguards supported them as they attempted to paddle back to safety, but the strong current pushed them towards the rocks. Deciding it was unsafe to return to shore due to the breaking waves, the lifeguards brought both individuals onto the RWC, abandoning the kayak.

The lifeguards then transferred the kayakers to Newquay RNLI, who safely returned them to the lifeboat station for monitoring before their release.

Lifeguard Supervisor Praises Team Efforts

Lewis Timson, RNLI Lead Lifeguard Supervisor for Newquay, commended the lifeguards for their swift and effective responses.

“I’d like to commend our lifeguards at both Watergate and Crantock who did great work to respond quickly and efficiently to rescue several people who had got into difficulty in strong conditions,” said Timson.

Timson reminded the public of the coastal dangers, advising beachgoers to swim between the red and yellow flags and to stay calm if caught in a rip current. “If you get into difficulty, stay calm and float to live – fight your instinct to thrash around, lean back with your ears submerged in the water, extend your arms and legs, and float.”

Stay Safe This Summer

The RNLI’s message is clear: understanding and respecting the ocean’s power is vital for safety. As the summer season brings more visitors to the coast, these recent incidents serve as critical reminders to remain vigilant and prepared.