Two Call-outs for St Austell Coastguard After Swimmers Get Into Difficulty

St Austell Coastguard has warned beachgoers to take extreme care after two separate call-outs yesterday, Saturday 16th August, where swimmers got into difficulty at Carlyon Bay and Porthpean Beach.

Swimmers in Trouble at Carlyon Bay

At 12:19pm, the team was tasked to Carlyon Bay after reports of swimmers in difficulty. By the time they arrived, all swimmers had been assisted safely from the water. The Coastguard carried out a patrol along the shoreline to ensure everyone was accounted for and offered safety advice to those on the beach.

Dramatic Rescue at Porthpean

Just over two hours later, at 2:41pm, the team was called again to Porthpean Beach. As the crew arrived, they discovered that one of their own team members, who had been spending time with family, had already carried out a rescue.

The swimmer, who had been unable to stay afloat or return to shore, was pulled from the water with the help of fellow beachgoers. They were carried up the beach, where casualty care was given until the arrival of South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust.

The Coastguard stressed how close this incident had come to a tragic outcome:

“This could have had a very different outcome had a relative of the swimmer not had constant eyes on them and raised the alarm immediately.
Right time right place, our team member who was at the beach also runs Carlyon Bay Surf Lifesaving Club so couldn’t have wished for a better response.”

Dangerous Conditions Along the Coast

The Coastguard highlighted that local beaches are not lifeguarded and warned of particularly dangerous conditions this weekend.

“Locally we are in the middle of a Force 7 Easterly gale, and we are in Spring Tides. This is unusual for our patch of coastline this time of year and is producing large dumping waves on most of our beaches and blue skies are drawing people to the beach unaware of the conditions. This is set to last until at least Monday lunchtime.”

They urged anyone visiting the beach to take extra care and reminded the public:

“Please take extra care if visiting the beach and call 999 and ask for the Coastguard should you see anyone in difficulty or anything you are not sure of.
STAY SAFE 🛟”