Newquay lifeguards featuring on Saving Lives at Sea

Thursday night's episode will show a rescue of surfers caught in waves at Fistral

Author: Megan Price and Emma HartPublished 29th Sep 2022
Last updated 29th Sep 2022

A new episode of documentary Saving Lives at Sea will feature RNLI lifeguards from one of Newquay's busiest beaches.

The show, which airs on BBC Two at 8pm on Thursday 29th September, will include footage from a rescue at Fistral, where surfers who got caught in powerful waves.

Videos taken on helmet cameras allow viewers to watch rescues through the eyes of the RNLI, as well as meet people behind the pagers, those rescued and families who are here to tell the tale.

Tonight's episode includes Fistral RNLI lifeguards who rescued a number of surfers in quick succession who were caught amongst powerful waves. They were swept towards dangerous rocks at the north end of Fistral beach.

RNLI Lead Lifeguard Supervisor for Newquay, Lewis Timson, said: "Our lifesaving work would not be possible without donations from the public and we are delighted to be able to share a frontline view of the rescues they support with their kind generosity".

Kai Gwilliam, a Newquay Lifeguard, told us: "It's going to show a jet ski rescue. Me rescuing a surfer who was caught on the rocks at the north end of Fistral beach.

"I think they'll appreciate that we're there on the beach. I think it shows all the dangers that are there. How dangerous the sea can be and why we're on the beach, ready for when people get into danger.

"It was really cool to be a part of the programme".

The 10-part documentary, now in its 7th series, showcases the work of RNLI lifeguards and volunteer lifeboat crews from across the country.

In the last year, RNLI lifeboat crews around the UK and Ireland aided 12,903 people, saving 296 lives while in 2021 alone, the charity’s lifeguards aided 18,180 people and saved 112 lives on some of the UK's busiest beaches.

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