RNLI Respond to Multiple Casualties at Tregantle Beach

RNLI lifeguards in south east Cornwall and volunteer crews from Looe RNLI responded to a busy and challenging incident on Wednesday 8th April, after multiple people were caught in a powerful rip current off Tregantle Beach in Whitsand Bay.

Lifeguards Spot Swimmers in Difficulty

With warm temperatures and bright sunshine drawing large crowds, conditions across Whitsand Bay felt more like midsummer than early April. RNLI lifeguards had been carrying out daily Easter holiday patrols at Tregonhawke Beach.

Late in the afternoon, RNLI Lead Lifeguard Supervisor Charlie Gillett positioned himself at Sharrow beach lifeguard unit to monitor the water due to several serious rip currents developing. From this vantage point, Charlie spotted four swimmers in difficulty at Longsands, with one person appearing to be in immediate distress.

Recognising the severity of the situation, lifeguards at Tregonhawke were alerted and launched the inshore rescue boat. The crew, Tristan Gillett and Terry Dungay, faced a 2.5 mile journey to reach the scene.

Lifeboats Launched as Backup

As the situation unfolded, RNLI lifeguards contacted Falmouth Coastguard Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre and requested additional support. At 4.35pm, Looe RNLI launched both its Atlantic and D class inshore lifeboats.

While the lifeboats made their way across Looe Bay, lifeguards in the rescue boat ensured all swimmers were safely brought ashore. A stronger swimmer in the group also helped an adult who was struggling in the rip.

Once everyone was accounted for and initial medical assessments were completed, the Coastguard stood down both lifeboats and the volunteer crews returned to station.

Volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager Clive Palfrey praised the response:

‘The lifeguards made exactly the right call by requesting support from Looe RNLI D class lifeboat, the most suitable asset for surf zone rescues. In fastmoving situations like this, knowing a lifeboat is on the way allows lifeguards to focus entirely on the rescue in front of them.’

Busy Start to the Season

It has already been a demanding start to the season for Tregonhawke RNLI lifeguards. Between 3rd April and 8th April, they responded to 13 incidents, including one rescue, eight assists, and 114 near misses. Many of these involved swimmers being caught in developing rip currents as beach activity increased over the Easter holidays.

Charlie Gillett also warned about the dangers:

‘Rip currents can be difficult to spot, but are sometimes identified by a channel of churning, choppy water on the sea’s surface. Even the most experienced beachgoers can be caught out by rips, so don’t be afraid to ask lifeguards for advice.’

What To Do If You’re Caught in a Rip

The RNLI advises:

• Don’t try to swim against it or you’ll get exhausted
• If you can stand, wade don’t swim
• If possible, swim parallel to the shore until free of the rip, then head back to shore
• Always raise your hand and shout for help

The incident highlights the importance of visiting lifeguarded beaches, staying between the red and yellow flags, and calling 999 or 112 and asking for the Coastguard in an emergency.

You can find your nearest lifeguarded beach by visiting the <a href=”https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeguarded-beaches”>RNLI website</a>.

Lifeguard Patrol Dates

Tregonhawke Beach is patrolled daily during the Easter school holidays from 3rd April to 19th April, then weekends only from 25th April to 26th April, before daily patrols resume from 2nd May to 27th September.

RNLI lifeguards will also return to Tregantle and Sharrow beaches daily from 16th May to 27th September.