Newquay RNLI rescue two swimmers caught in Mawgan Porth rip

A watering can and a lazy Saturday evening was the plan for most people at Mawgan Porth on 15 August. For two swimmers, it turned into a fight against a rip current, and a race against the tide for two lifeboat crews.

Paged within minutes

The pagers at Newquay RNLI went off at 7.07pm on Saturday 15 August, tasking volunteers to help two swimmers who had got into difficulty in a rip current at Mawgan Porth. The charity’s Atlantic 85 B Class lifeboat was in the water within 14 minutes, with the smaller D Class inshore lifeboat launching shortly after. Both boats headed for Mawgan Porth.

A head start from the beach

By the time the lifeboats arrived, both casualties had already been found. A member of Mawgan Porth Surf Life Saving Club had reached them first, moving the pair out of the surf and further out to sea to wait for the lifeboats. It made the final approach far more straightforward for the crews, who were able to reach and assist both swimmers without delay.

Back to harbour

With the casualties located, the D Class was stood down and turned back for Newquay harbour. The Atlantic 85 brought both swimmers safely onboard before following it in. Once ashore, the pair were assessed by South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust. Both lifeboats were then recovered and returned to the boathouse, ready for the next call.

A shared effort

The RNLI crew thanked Mawgan Porth Surf Life Saving Club, members of the public, the Newquay coastguard search & rescue team, Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 924 and South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust for their part in the response.

If you see someone in difficulty along the coast, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

📷Credit: Stephen Duncombe