Three rescues in three days for Perranporth lifeguards

A surfer swept beyond the flags. A kayaker found cold and pale, clinging to his equipment 800m out. A young bodyboarder dragged past his depth by the current. All three made it back to the sand within the space of three days at Perranporth.

RNLI lifeguards patrolling the beach saved a life and rescued two others in separate incidents this week, with the supervisor warning that warmer weather is still on the way.

Monday: a surfer swept past the flags

On Monday 29 June, lifeguards launched the Inshore Rescue Boat after spotting a surfer who had drifted outside the black and white flagged area and appeared to be struggling in the conditions.

The waves were breaking continuously, which made reaching him difficult. Lifeguards pulled alongside and made several attempts to get him aboard without the boat being flipped or capsized. Eventually they had both the surfer and his board in the vessel and brought him back to shore. He was very thankful for the help.

Tuesday: a cold casualty 800m offshore

The following day, a call came in from the Coastguard reporting a kayaker in difficulty some distance off the beach. Lifeguards launched the Rescue Water Craft and pushed out through 4 to 5ft of breaking surf to search.

During the search they picked out a surf ski roughly 800m offshore, though keeping eyes on it was hard as it blended into the white water. The casualty was found clinging to the surf ski to stay afloat. He looked very cold and pale, having been in the water for some time.

Lifeguards got him onto the craft and brought him back in through large dumping waves, then took him to the lifeguard facility to warm up with a blanket and a further assessment.

Wednesday: a bodyboarder beyond his depth

On Wednesday 1 July the team was called into action again, this time to a young bodyboarder who had been overcome by the large breaking waves and dragged out beyond his depth by strong currents. A lifeguard paddled out on a rescue board and brought him safely back to the beach, where he was met by his very relieved dad.

Drustan Ward, RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor, said: “It’s been a busy week already for the team, with warmer weather to come. In all three incidents, they put their professional training into action and their swift and coordinated response meant that those who entered the water this week made it home safely.”

He added: “As a reminder, if you are visiting the coast, please try and visit at a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags. If you get into difficulty, remember float to live. If you see anyone in difficulty in the water, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”

What to do if you get into trouble in the water

The RNLI’s Float to Live advice is:

• Tilt your head back with your ears submerged
• Relax and try to breathe normally
• Move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat
• It’s OK if your legs sink, we all float differently
• Once your breathing is under control, call for help or swim to safety

You can find your nearest lifeguarded beach on the RNLI beach finder.