Spring tides warning as RNLI prepares for 'busiest weekend' in Cornwall
Lifeguards are expecting thousands of people to hit the beaches over the bank holiday
Last updated 27th Aug 2022
The RNLI has issued a sea safety warning on what is expected to be the busiest weekend of the summer for Cornwall's beaches.
More warmer weather is forecast over the Bank Holiday and it follows the recent heatwaves, when lifeguards at Watergate Bay recorded over 22,000 visitors on one day alone. In the week from 6th - 12th August, Newquay's beaches saw 72 rescues and nine major first aids.
However, the charity says this is just a snapshot of how busy beaches across the South West and the UK have been this season.
The RNLI is urging people to take extra care over this weekend, when spring tides are likely to cause strong rip currents.
Anyone visiting the coast is being warned to ensure they keep themselves and their families safe by following beach safety advice:
• Visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.
• Check the weather forecast, tide times and read local hazard signage to understand local risks.
• Keep a close eye on your family – on the beach and in the water – don’t allow your family to swim alone.
• If you fall into the water unexpectedly, FLOAT TO LIVE. Fight your instinct to thrash around, lean back, extend your arms and legs, and float.
• In an emergency dial 999/112 and ask for the Coastguard.
Their advice follows a tragic incident at Perranporth, where a woman died after getting into " significant difficulty" in the water.
The casualty was unconscious when pulled from the sea at the neighbouring cove of Droskyn Point but, tragically, despite the best efforts of medics and crews, could not be saved.
Read more: Woman dies after major incident at Perranporth Beach
The RNLI said it is sending its "deepest condolences" to the woman's friends and family.
As well as major rescues and huge numbers on beaches, RNLI lifeguards have dealt with multiple lost children, minor first aids including cuts and stings, major first aids including fractures and critical illnesses and provided lots of safety advice to beach-goers.
Major rescue at Godrevy
On Friday 19th August, RNLI lifeguards at Godrevy and Gwithian beaches saved the lives of two people who got into difficulty in the water.
RNLI lifeguard Amber Sanders was carrying out routine observations from the BLU (Beach Lifeguard Unit) when she spotted two people being dragged out to sea towards Godrevy lighthouse, having entered the water at a neighbouring cove which does not have lifeguard cover.
Amber and her colleague Alfie Brown immediately responded to the incident and radioed neighbouring Gwithian beach for back-up on their rescue water craft (RWC).
Alfie picked up a rescue board and ran down to the water and paddled quickly to the casualties’ aid. The sea conditions changed very quickly having been a fairly moderate swell throughout the morning and this increased to 5-6ft set waves which contributed to challenging sea conditions.
When Alfie arrived at the scene, the pair were very distressed and were struggling to keep their heads above the water and began to panic. Alfie and his rescue board acted as a buoy to keep the pair afloat whilst huge waves were crashing onto their heads.
Alfie was quickly joined by Gwithian’s senior RNLI lifeguard, Anthony Stewart, on the RWC with colleague Tarryn Brown on the rescue sled behind. Tarryn swam to the casualties and secured them on the RWC rescue sled so that Anthony could bring the pair safely back to shore.
RNLI lifeguard supervisor, Lloyd Davies says: "This was a life-saving rescue and the pair were very lucky that they were spotted outside of the lifeguards' operational area.
"Incidents like this highlight why it is so important to always choose a lifeguarded beach if you are heading to the coast and always swim between the red and yellow flags – if we can't see you, we can't save you".
Lloyd added: "‘We're looking ahead to a sunny Bank Holiday, with some surf forecast and spring tides which can often mean more water moving about and stronger rip currents. As people will be hoping to enjoy the long weekend and the last full week of the school holidays, it is vitally important that they keep safety at the front of mind.’
Bank Holiday Safety Advice
Henry Irvine and Guy Botterill, Regional RNLI Lifeguard Leads for the South West added: "It has been an extremely busy summer so far for all our RNLI lifeguards across the south west, with packed beaches and a wide array of incidents including serious rescues and significant medical emergencies.
"We are exceptionally proud that our lifeguards achieve this with incredible skill, proactivity and professionalism, many of whom are young people in their first season of lifeguarding.
"It's also been lovely to hear feedback from members of the public we have helped, whether that’s been a rescue, treating a weaver fish sting or simply offering safety advice – it's obvious how much beach goers appreciate the presence of the lifeguards on the 90 beaches we have patrolled.
"The warm weather and sheer number of people flocking to the region's beaches has meant eventful days for the lifeguards, not only responding to incidents but constantly issuing safety advice in the water and on the beach, encouraging people to swim between the red and yellow flags, reuniting lost children with their families and raising awareness of local hazards – a large part of a lifeguard's role is preventative.
"We are both extremely proud of all our lifeguards and, as we head towards what's predicted to be a busy end to the school holidays, it is a great opportunity to thank them for all their hard work, day in day out, and their continuous professionalism and courage".
You can find more beach safety advice on the RNLI's website.