Cornwall lifeguards save boy, 15, who was trying to rescue young brother in sea
They were struggling in the current at Poldhu during Monday's heatwave
Last updated 21st Jul 2022
RNLI lifeguards have saved the life of a 15-year-old swimmer at a beach on Cornwall's Lizard Peninsula.
Crews were carrying out routine patrols at Poldhu on Monday, when they spotted two boys in difficulty.
The teenager was trying to bring his younger brother, who had stepped off the low-tide sandbank into deeper water, back into the shallows - but both had started to struggle in the current.
Using a rescue board, RNLI lifeguard Bryher Grant paddled out to the scene and noticed the older lad was struggling to stay above the water. By the time Bryher reached the pair, only his arms were above the surface.
She managed to pull the casualty, who had inhaled a lot of water and was going in and out of consciousness, onto her board and signal for help.
Bryher paddled the boy to the shore and was met by Senior RNLI Lifeguard, Euan Dungavel. Together they brought him up to dry sand. The younger brother managed to self-rescue back to the beach.
After that, the lifeguards dropped the flags and evacuated the water as RNLI Lifeguard Elliot McCluskey ran down from the base with the first-aid bag and oxygen.
The three lifeguards provided immediate casualty care before the ambulance arrived shortly after. Thankfully he was responsive upon handover to the paramedics.
RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor, Matthew Stone, said: "The RNLI lifeguard team at Poldhu responded admirably to a serious incident on a very busy day.
"Their training really shone through and without their quick response it would have been a completely different story.
"We're all incredibly proud of them, especially Bryher, whose actions saved a young life.
"It is so important to swim between the red and yellow flags because flash rip currents can occur without warning and being inside the patrolled area is the best way to enjoy the water safely".
It was among a string of RNLI rescues across the South West this week, as the heatwave saw beaches busier than usual.
In Teignmouth crews dealt with six rescues on Sunday - all to paddleboarders swept out of the river mouth.
In North Devon, RNLI lifeguards also rescued three paddleboarders caught in off shore winds after the alarm was raised by sea kayakers with a VHF radio.
Henry Irvine, RNLI Regional Lifeguard Lead for the south west, said: "As expected, the beaches across the region have been very busy with people making the most of the small waves to cool off during the heatwave. With a settled long range forecast and many schools breaking up this week, we're anticipating the next week to 10 days, to be even busier for our teams around the region.
"We'd urge beach goers to be aware of the conditions and their capabilities and to take responsibility for their own and their families safety. If using equipment such as inflatable paddleboards make sure you check the weather, ask a lifeguard for advise and don’t take unnecessary risks. Help our lifeguards to help keep you safe".
Key summer safety advice from the RNLI
• Visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags
• If you get into trouble Float to Live – lie on your back and relax, resisting the urge to thrash about
• Call 999 in an emergency and ask for the Coastguard
You can find more beach, coastal and sea safety advice on the RNLI website.