"Major rescue" of two swimmers being dragged out to sea in Cornwall
Lifeguards spotted the pair near Godrevy, outside their usual operations area
Last updated 30th Jun 2022
The RNLI says the operation to stop two swimmers being dragged out to sea in Cornwall was a major rescue.
Lifeguards spotted the pair in difficulty at a cove near Godrevy on Wednesday, OUTSIDE their usual operations area.
They described conditions as dangerous, with large surging waves, an incoming tide, strong on-shore winds and flash rip currents.
"A very dangerous situation"
Senior RNLI lifeguard at Godrevy, Phil Wilson, was carrying out observations around 1pm at a neighbouring cove when he spotted the swimmers and by-standers waving for help.
Godrevy lifeguard Alfie Brown had also spotted the incident from the beach lifeguard unit through his binoculars and immediately requested assistance from Gwithian lifeguards to launch the rescue water craft (RWC).
Alfie picked up a rescue board and quickly ran across the dunes towards Top Cove to assist the RWC.
Senior RNLI lifeguard at Gwithian, Ant Stewart, sped over to the swimmers as quickly as possible, beating through 5ft surging waves on his way over and pulled the swimmers out of the water and onto the back of the RWC sled.
Due to the challenging sea conditions, Ant returned the swimmers to shore immediately at Godrevy beach and made sure they were calm and comfortable whilst giving them safety advice.
RNLI lifeguard supervisor, Jack Hoare says: "This was an amazing team effort rescuing two swimmers caught up in a very dangerous situation.
"Both Gwithian and Godrevy lifeguard teams responded within seconds and their teamwork and professionalism in a very pressurised situation really shone through.
"The incident occurred outside of the lifeguards operational area. We advise anybody visiting the coast to always choose a lifeguarded beach and speak to the local lifeguards for advice before entering the water".
RNLI Sea Safety Advice
The RNLI is warning anyone visiting the coast this summer, 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.
You can find more sea, coastal and beach safety advice, including the 'Float to Live' message, on the RNLI's website.