Swept Towards the Sea: Looe River Rescue After Swimmer Caught in Strong Current

One person rescued, another escapes on their own during choppy Easterly conditions

Looe RNLI volunteers sprang into action yesterday afternoon, Saturday 5th April 2025, after two swimmers got into difficulty in the Looe River near Pennyland, West Looe.

The incident unfolded shortly after 2pm when the pair entered the river, unaware of the risks posed by the outgoing tide and strong Easterly winds. One swimmer managed to get themselves back to shore, but the other was dragged downstream by the current, towards the river estuary and out to sea.

Swift response from Looe RNLI

Multiple 999 calls alerted Falmouth Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC), who immediately requested assistance from Looe RNLI. Several volunteers were close by when their pagers went off at 2.05pm. Within seven minutes, the crew had launched the Ollie Naismith II, the charity’s D Class inshore lifeboat.

Crew members located the swimmer near the mouth of the river, where they were struggling to make headway against the strong current. The casualty was brought aboard the lifeboat, tired but uninjured, and taken back to West Looe. There, the crew confirmed the second swimmer had also made it back safely without injury.

The entire rescue operation took just 17 minutes from launch to recovery, with the D Class lifeboat later washed down and made ready for service.

“Deceptive” currents prompt safety warning

Dave Jackman, one of the RNLI helms who responded to the call and Looe’s Assistant Harbour Master, said the rescue highlights why swimming is prohibited in the river.

“This incident highlights one of the reasons there are Harbour bylaws prohibiting swimming in Looe river,” said Dave. “As the tide goes out the underlying currents are deceptive, and as seen this afternoon it is difficult and exhausting to swim against the river current and tidal flow.”

He added that the strong Easterly winds had made conditions even worse:

“The sea conditions were made worse due to the strong easterly winds creating a large swell along the bar and White Rock at the river estuary. The casualty was lucky that their situation was witnessed [by] members of [the] public who called 999 for assistance.”