RNLI Lifeguards Rescue Ten Swimmers from Rip Current at Perranporth Beach

Off-duty lifeguard later saves two children in second rip drama

RNLI lifeguards at Perranporth Beach rescued ten swimmers on Saturday 12th July after they were caught in a sudden and powerful rip current, despite calm sea conditions.

Swimmers swept out in seconds

The beach had been experiencing intermittent flash rip currents between the red and yellow flags throughout the afternoon, with two RNLI lifeguards already in the water at the time of the incident—one swimming and one on board patrol.

Seb Bartlett, who was in the water on a swim patrol, spotted two or three swimmers being dragged out by a rip and immediately responded. As he reached them, more people became caught in the same current.

Realising the danger and feeling the force of the rip himself, Seb signalled urgently to the lifeguards onshore.

Fast response from multiple teams

The lifeguards on the beach quickly launched rescue boards, while the board patrol lifeguard redirected to the scene. A second patrol truck arrived shortly after, and an off-duty lifeguard who witnessed the situation also entered the water with a rescue board.

Working together, the lifeguards paddled all ten swimmers safely back to shore.

The incident was triggered by a flash rip—a fast-forming and powerful current that can appear suddenly, even when conditions seem calm.

Second rescue later that evening

After his shift had ended, Seb Bartlett was involved in a second serious incident at the same beach. While swimming off-duty, he spotted two children struggling in another rip current. Seb swam both children back to shore and reunited them safely with their parents.

Meanwhile, during the earlier rescue, other lifeguards from the Perranporth team were also dealing with a serious first aid incident at the Watering Hole bar, located at the top of the beach.

RNLI issues safety warning as summer holidays begin

Seasonal Lifeguard Supervisor Drustan Ward said:

“Rip currents can be difficult to spot, but are sometimes identified by a channel of churning, choppy water. If in doubt, ask a lifeguard for advice, they will show you how you can identify and avoid rips.”

Drustan added:

“This weekend just gone has been incredibly busy for the lifeguard service, especially with the hot weather. As the summer holidays approach, we’d like to remind people just how quickly situations just like the ones we responded to over the weekend can unfold. It is essential for anyone looking to visit the coast this summer to choose an RNLI lifeguarded beach, always swim between the red and yellow flags where the lifeguards can respond to incidents before they become life threatening.”

RNLI’s key safety advice

• Always choose a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags

• If you’re in trouble in the water: Float to Live

  • Tilt your head back with your ears submerged

  • Relax and try to breathe normally

  • Move your hands and feet gently

  • Don’t worry if your legs sink—everyone floats differently

  • Practise floating in a local pool if you can

If you see someone else in difficulty:

• Call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard

• Tell the person to relax and float

• Throw something that floats to help them stay above water

For more information on the RNLI’s Float to Live advice, visit RNLI.org/Float.

📷RNLI lifeguard Seb Bartlett - Credit: Peter Hancock