Surfer Rescued After Rip Current Struggle at Chapel Porth

Holidaymakers urged to stay safe as warmer weather arrives

A surfer caught in a dangerous rip current at Chapel Porth beach was rescued by RNLI lifeguards and the St Agnes lifeboat crew on 27th April after signalling for urgent help.

The individual had been spotted waving and pointing to alert RNLI lifeguards that he was in trouble at the northern cut off of the beach. Lifeguards quickly confirmed he was struggling in a rip current and being carried further around the headland towards Tubby’s Head.

Lifeboat tasked to assist exhausted surfer

With the surfer too exhausted to recover on his own, St Agnes RNLI lifeboat crews were called to the scene. They made the decision to return the casualty to Trevaunance Cove, where he received a casualty care assessment.

Once the rescue was complete, the lifeboat was recovered, washed down and refuelled ready for the next incident.

RNLI issues safety reminder ahead of Bank Holiday weekend

Seasonal Lifeguard Supervisor Drustan Ward praised the surfer’s actions, saying: “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 more visitors expected at Cornwall’s beaches for the Early May Bank Holiday weekend, the RNLI has issued advice urging the public to choose lifeguarded beaches wherever possible.

This week, lifeguards are patrolling Sennen, Porthmeor, Perranporth and Fistral, with more beaches scheduled to open on Saturday 3rd May.

Gareth Morrison, Head of Water Safety at 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 temperatures remain dangerously cold.”

He added: “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.

📷RNLI crews at Chapel Porth beach - Credit: RNLI