Portreath rescuers help injured teenager off Hayle Towans

A shoulder injury in soft sand and among the dunes is never a straightforward walk back to the car park. That is what off-duty lifeguards and a coastguard rescue team found themselves dealing with at Hayle Towans on Monday evening, when a young teenager was hurt badly enough that carrying on unaided was not an option.

Called out at half past six

H. M. Coastguard Portreath Rescue Team was tasked to Hayle Towans at around 6.30pm on Monday 24 August to help off-duty lifeguards with a young teenage casualty who had sustained a shoulder injury.

Given the nature of the injury, the team judged it most comfortable to secure and support the casualty’s shoulder while the lifeguards provided pain relief. Between them they then helped the casualty on foot back across the dunes to their family’s car, ready for the drive on to hospital.

Back to station by quarter to eight

With the casualty safely on their way, the team stood down and returned to station at around 7.40pm. Portreath’s volunteers wished the casualty a speedy recovery.

It was the team’s 60th tasking, a marker they noted alongside the thanks to the off-duty lifeguards who were first on scene.

A word on dune walking

The team used the callout to repeat some familiar advice for anyone heading to the coast. Dunes and other uneven ground can catch out even confident walkers, so suitable footwear and a bit of care with footing go a long way. If you or someone nearby is hurt and needs help, the advice is simple: dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Stay safe, and enjoy the Hayle coastline responsibly.