RNLI Lifeguards Respond to Multiple Rescues and Emergencies Over August Bank Holiday in Cornwall

Published On: 29 August 2025Last Updated: 29 August 2025By CornishStuff

RNLI lifeguards in Cornwall faced a demanding August Bank Holiday (22nd to 25th August) as they responded to multiple serious incidents across the coast, including mass rescues, out of hours emergencies and life-threatening first aid cases.

Mass Rescue at Fistral

On Friday 22nd August, lifeguards at Fistral beach in Newquay rescued 14 people in one incident, alongside several separate rescues throughout the day. In total, the team carried out 40 rescues in a single day. Despite extremely challenging surf conditions, they managed to bring everyone safely back to shore.

Off-Duty Lifeguard Acts at Chapel Porth

The following morning, Saturday 23rd August, three bodyboarders were pulled out by a rip current at Chapel Porth. Off-duty RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor Martyn Ward, who was surfing at the time, spotted the group in distress. Using his surfboard, he towed each casualty back to shore one by one.

RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor for the Perranporth area, Drustan Ward, said:
*‘Rip currents have consistently been the main cause for rescues, and we have seen incidents similar to the mass rescue at Fistral on Friday, on most of the beaches in the Perranporth area, where multiple people have been swept out of their depth at once. Across the Bank Holiday weekend, we have responded to 49 incidents where our lifeguards have entered the water to rescue and assist people. It has been a remarkably busy weekend.

‘We have also worked closely with our local Cliff Rescue Teams and Surf Lifesaving Clubs, who have been patrolling the beaches after lifeguarding hours and advising the public against entering the water, especially in the large surf we have experienced on the north coast.’*

Father and Son Saved in Bude

Later that day in Bude, RNLI lifeguards at Summerleaze beach were tasked by the Coastguard to two people struggling behind the breakwater, outside the patrol area. RNLI Lifeguard Angus McGoldrick paddled out on a rescue board to reach them. One casualty, the father, was unconscious while his son tried desperately to keep him afloat. Lifeguard Mini Fry then arrived on a Rescue Water Craft and brought both back to shore.

The pair were taken to hospital but returned on Bank Holiday Monday to thank the lifeguards for saving their lives.

Serious First Aid at Tolcarne

On Monday 25th August, lifeguards at Tolcarne beach in Newquay responded to a major first aid incident after a man suffered a serious leg injury while skim boarding. The lifeguards worked with HM Coastguard volunteers and Cornwall Air Ambulance to provide immediate care. The casualty was airlifted to hospital.

Warning of More Dangerous Conditions

With conditions expected to remain challenging this week, the RNLI has urged people to take extra care at the coast.

The charity’s Regional Lifeguard Lead, Guy Botterill, said:
*‘Bank Holiday weekends are always a busy time for the RNLI lifeguard service, and this year was no exception. Our lifeguards showed incredible professionalism under pressure, rescuing multiple people and responding to serious incidents.

‘Off the back of Storm Erin, we have seen some unusually large swell build which has been made more dangerous by the current spring tides. The large influx of water coming into shore and rushing back out again has seen large rip currents form, and as a result has meant that many of our beaches were red flagged at the beginning of the week. We are expecting to see a brief lull in the conditions during the middle of this week before large swell is predicted to return on Friday.

We want to remind everyone visiting the coast to always choose a lifeguarded beach, between the operational hours of 10 am to 6 pm and follow the safety advice so you can enjoy the water safely.’*