Five Teenagers Rescued from Rip Current at Gyllyngvase Beach

Five Teens Swept Out to Sea in Seconds at Gyllyngvase Beach

A warning has been issued to beachgoers after five teenagers were rescued from a powerful rip current at Gyllyngvase Beach on Bank Holiday Monday.

The incident happened during the first voluntary patrol of the season by members of Gyllyngvase Surf Life Saving Club, who were monitoring the beach between 11am and 1pm.

Dangerous Conditions Build

Warm sunshine and strong easterly winds brought busy conditions to the beach, alongside a 2 to 3ft swell and hazardous currents.

After spending the morning advising people, the team were preparing to stand down when five local teenagers entered the water near the right-hand reef. This area is known for a fixed rip current that has caught people off guard in recent years.

Although volunteer lifeguards identified the danger, two members of the group were swept out to sea within seconds, reaching offshore marker buoys before they could be warned.

Rescue Launched Within Moments

Club Chair Lois Leonard entered the water with a rescue board, while fellow member Cags Gilbert stayed on shore to coordinate the response and raise the alarm.

They were soon joined by off-duty RNLI lifeguard Matthew Stone, who is also one of the club’s Lifeguard Trainers.

Matthew said:
“When I reached Lois, she had two teenage girls clinging to the back of her board – they were around 100 metres from shore. Together we brought them safely back, while their friends were assisted by Cags and checked over on the beach.

“Thankfully Lois and Cags were on patrol today – the outcome could have been very different. They used their training brilliantly and did a fantastic job.”

Warning Issued to Beach Users

Matthew warned that Gyllyngvase can quickly become dangerous despite its calm appearance.

He said:
“Despite its typically calm appearance, Gyllyngvase can become extremely dangerous during strong easterly and southerly winds, as can many beaches along the south coast. Where there are waves, there are rip currents. If you are unsure of the conditions, do not enter the water.

“There is a particularly strong rip current on the right-hand side of the beach, near the sauna, during easterly winds. We strongly advise beach users to avoid entering the water in this area under those conditions.”

He also reminded the public:
“If you see someone in difficulty, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”

Pride in the Team

Lois Leonard said:
“We’re incredibly relieved we were there to help today and I’m very proud of our members.

“Thank you to all our supporters – especially the Falmouth Bay Residents Association for their generous £500 donation towards first aid kits and rescue equipment.”

About the Club

Founded in 2007, Gyllyngvase Surf Life Saving Club has trained over 300 beach lifeguards who have gone on to work and volunteer across Cornwall and around the world.

Qualified members are currently providing ad hoc volunteer patrols under Surf Life Saving Great Britain’s framework until RNLI lifeguards return to duty. They will also continue supporting outside RNLI operating hours throughout the summer.

The club includes nipper, youth, adult and masters sections, and alongside developing lifesaving skills, members compete in the sport. In 2023, the club was awarded the Super Club title, recognising it as the top Surf Life Saving GB club nationally across all age groups and disciplines.

For more information, visit the Gyllyngvase Surf Life Saving Club website.