11 more beaches across Cornwall to get summer lifeguard cover
More RNLI patrols are starting across the Duchy from this weekend
11 more beaches across Cornwall are getting lifeguard patrols from this weekend, ahead of the peak summer season.
A total of 90 beaches across the South West will have RNLI patrols, as the charity continues the planned roll out of its lifeguard service to reflect the increase in beach users as we move into the height of summer.
Already operational on over 70 beaches across the region, RNLI lifeguards patrol daily between the hours of 10am-6pm.
Professionally trained in casualty care and water rescue techniques, the role of a lifeguard is to educate and inform the public about possible dangers, whilst keeping everyone safe and able to enjoy their time at the coast.
The beaches in Cornwall that will begin daily lifeguard operations are as follows; Crackington Haven, Northcott, South Fistral, Lusty Glaze, Porth Kidney, Carbis Bay, Marazion, Perranuthnoe, Gunwalloe and Porthleven. Polurrian Cove will be weekends only.
Keith Renders, an RNLI lifeguard from Padstow, was recently involved in a dramatic rescue of Ella, a surfer who got pulled toward dangerous rocks in a flash rip current at Porthcothan beach.
"I was out on a rescue board doing a patrol from the water when a huge set of waves came in. Suddenly a group of five beginner surfers got pulled into a flash rip heading towards a really rocky part of the beach. I could see it all happen and immediately paddled over to help.
"It turned out to be a major rescue with Ella and I being winched from a rock to safety by the Coastguard helicopter. By choosing to come to a lifeguarded beach and with the help of everyone involved, it was a happy ending for Ella and her friends."
Keith Renders, RNLI lifeguard from Padstow
Ella recalls the moment she got caught in the rip current,
"The conditions in the water felt like they had got considerably worse very quickly. The current and the waves felt so strong. I was being dragged out to sea moving towards the rocks. It all happened really quickly and before we had time to do anything it was too late."
A rip is a strong current of water running out to sea. Rips are always a danger on certain beaches, but are especially strong in large surf conditions, where flash or sudden-rips can occur with no warning.
"Keith pulled me out of the water onto the rock that we were eventually rescued from. He was concerned that I was hurt and began doing a quick check. I couldn’t feel my body and I couldn’t stop myself from shaking. I felt so cold and so tired, but he kept me calm, asking me questions about my plans in the evening and my favourite hot drink, anything to help take my mind away from the situation we were in.
"I remember hearing the helicopter and feeling so thankful. As my feet lifted off the rock I felt an instant relief. When I got into the helicopter I was really overwhelmed. My body felt so cold, I was in so much shock and I couldn’t process what had just happened. The crew onboard made me feel comfortable and were very caring. It wasn’t until a couple of hours after the incident when I sat in the hospital bed that I was able to begin to think back on the situation. I am still so grateful and so thankful for the RNLI and for Keith the lifeguard that saved my life."
Ella, rescued at Porthcothan
If you ever find yourself caught in a rip current remember the following safety advice:
• Don’t try to swim against it or you’ll get exhausted.
• If you can stand, wade don’t swim.
• If you can, swim parallel to the shore until free of the rip and then head for shore.
• Always raise your hand and shout for help.
If you spot anyone in danger in the water alert the lifeguards or call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
A full list of RNLI lifeguarded beaches can be found here.