Marazion rescue: the 19-year-old hero on a paddle board

It took a lifeboat crew to bring two children back to shore at Marazion. It took a 19-year-old on a paddle board to keep their father from going under while they waited.

The father who could not reach them

More detail has emerged about the rescue on Marazion beach on 24 July 2026, when Penlee’s inshore lifeboat crew returned two children to the sand after they had drifted offshore.

The children’s father made a valiant effort to reach them but had become exhausted and was struggling in the water. Other paddle boarders were nearby, and one of them, Vincent McNevin, spotted the signs and moved quickly, getting the man onto his board. When the lifeboat arrived, Vincent told the crew he had the situation in hand and would take the man ashore himself while they recovered the children.

Training that made the difference

Vincent, 19, had received water support training at the registered charity Parkswim Daventry Country Park, where his mother Becky works as a lifeguard. In a water support role, the paddle boarder sits outside the swim line and keeps watch over swimmers.

“The man was fortunate because if Vincent had not been present the situation could have been more severe,” Becky said. “He was exhausted and struggling in the water.”

Penzance Coastguard Rescue Team’s station officer James Maddern spoke with the rescued man afterwards. He said he was OK, though he was advised to go to hospital if his condition changed at any point during the day.

📷Credit: Penlee Lifeboat

A rescue measured in minutes

The original callout came in at 1:40pm on 24 July, when Penlee RNLI was tasked by Falmouth Coastguard to a paddle board in difficulty carrying two children off Marazion beach. Helm Andrew ‘Woody’ Wood and RNLI volunteers Jack Bushnell and Matt Smith launched Penlee’s B class Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat, the Mollie and Ivor Dent, and made best speed across Mount’s Bay.

The children had been caught out by a north-easterly force 4 to 5 offshore wind. The crew were able to return them safely to their parents on the beach.

“The children were a little cold and frightened but thanks to ‘Woody’ and his crew this was a well-executed rescue in a very short time,” said Penlee Coxswain Patch Harvey.

What the RNLI wants you to remember

The RNLI’s advice after the callout was to always check the weather forecast and tide times, and not to get caught out by the conditions. Offshore winds are the ones to avoid, because they tire you quickly when you are trying to get back to shore. Always wear a personal flotation device, and wear clothing suitable for the forecasted conditions.

Penlee RNLI thanked Vincent for his efforts and encouraged other young people to get training for their water sports.

📷Credit: Penlee Lifeboat