Pink float and hat aid swimmer's rescue in Newquay
The woman was swept out to sea at Little Fistral beach yesterday lunchtime
HM Coastguard say a swimmer in Cornwall who was swept out to sea had 'done all she could' to aid her own rescue.
The woman was spotted from the shore of Little Fistral beach in Newquay yesterday lunchtime (Saturday 6 November).
The woman, who had a pink float and a pink hat, was easily seen by the caller who rang 999 and asked for the coastguard.
Newquay and Padstow coastguard rescue teams were sent along with both Newquay RNLI lifeboats and the coastguard helicopter from Newquay.
The call came in just before 12.45pm, with the caller giving updates on where the swimmer was.
Matt Rogers, Team Leader with HM Coastguard said: "This swimmer had done a considerable amount to give herself a chance of being rescued if things went wrong.
"She not only had a float that was a bright pink colour but was wearing a hat of the same colour too. It meant our caller could help give us information that enabled the swimmer to be rescued quickly.
"It’s a reminder of how quickly things can go wrong even for the most experienced and why you should do all you can to help us help you if the worst happens."
Matt Rogers - HM Coastguard
The RNLI ended cover on most south west beaches on Sunday 31 October.
At the time the charity issued a warning reminding people using the coast over the winter to take extra care and heed safety advice.
They say this time of year brings more severe weather conditions, including strong winds and a more powerful surf.
How you can stay safe by the coast
- Always check tides, weather and sea conditions and be realistic about your level of ability. Winter is not the time to push your limits
- Avoid going in the water alone. If you are planning to go for a kayak, surf or swim, always go with someone, have someone on the shore or at least let somebody know where you will be and what time you expect to be back
- If you are an inexperienced water user, avoid isolated beaches that have a reduced footfall so that if you do get into difficulty, there is a chance someone will see you and raise the alarm
- Take note of the signage at the entrance to the beach which will indicate any localised hazards. If in doubt, ask a local for advice
- Always wear appropriate equipment, this includes a winter wetsuit, wetsuit hood, boots and gloves – the colder you get, the weaker your body will become, increasing your risk of getting into difficulty. The RNLI would also suggest having warm clothing, a hot drink and a woolly hat for afterwards
- If you find yourself in trouble, never abandon your craft, it will keep you afloat until help arrives
- If you see somebody in difficulty, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Stay on scene until they arrive as this will aid the rescue, but please do not attempt to rescue them yourself
To find out more about the RNLI’s safety advice please visit: https://rnli.org/safety.