RNLI Lifeguards Rescue Three Swimmers from Rip Current at Summerleaze Beach

Three rescued in treacherous river rip current as lifeguards pack up for the day

Three swimmers were pulled to safety by RNLI lifeguards at Summerleaze beach in Bude on Tuesday 5th August after getting caught in a dangerous rip current near the river mouth.

The rescue happened as the lifeguards were finishing up their shift, with Senior RNLI Lifeguard Charlie Barnett spotting the group in trouble on the left-hand side of the bay. Strong surf and neap tides had created hazardous conditions, channelling a powerful rip current back into the river.

Charlie, along with RNLI lifeguards Alfie Turner and Drew Bardsley, quickly grabbed rescue boards and entered the water. All three had to fight the rip to reach the swimmers and bring them safely ashore.

“Not even the strongest of swimmers…”

Ross Hambley, Lead Lifeguard Supervisor, said:

“The swimmers were caught in a very dangerous spot. The river at Summerleaze can look deceptively calm and inviting, but during certain tide stages, particularly from 6pm–9pm currently, the rip current becomes extremely strong. Not even the strongest of swimmers would be able to contend with these kinds of conditions. If the lifeguards hadn’t been there, the outcome would have been very different.”

A repeat call-out just hours later

Just the next morning, on Wednesday 6th August, the Bude RNLI Lifeboat was launched for an almost identical situation, again near the river mouth. Another group of swimmers had been caught in the same rip current.

Ross added:

“With small tides and good weather forecast, we are urging beachgoers to stay vigilant when choosing where and when to swim. It is essential that people choose a lifeguarded beach, and stay between the red and yellow flags where our lifeguard teams can keep an eye on you and your loved ones.”

Advice from the RNLI

The RNLI is reminding beachgoers to follow these safety tips:

• Choose a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags, where lifeguards are watching closely.

• If you find yourself in difficulty in the water, follow the Float to Live advice:

  • Tilt your head back with ears submerged

  • Relax and try to breathe normally

  • Move your hands and feet to stay afloat

  • Let your legs sink if they want to — everyone floats differently

  • Practise floating in a swimming pool if possible

If you see someone else in trouble in the water:

• Call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard

• Tell them to relax and float on their back

• Throw them something that floats

For full safety advice, visit: RNLI.org/Float

Stay safe this summer: the river mouth at Summerleaze may look calm, but conditions can turn deadly fast. Always follow the lifeguards’ guidance.

📷Summerleaze Beach, Bude - Credit: RNLI/Nathan Williams