Lifeguard called out to surfer struggling in rip current at Chapel Porth
It happened on Saturday afternoon (28 September), with the man said to have been exhausted after losing his board
The RNLI have confirmed lifeguards were rushed out over the weekend to a surfer struggling in a rip current at Chapel Porth.
It happened on Saturday afternoon, with the man said to be exhausted after losing his board.
Their message is head to a beach that has a lifeguard, as they're now operating with a reduced service as we head into the winter months.
It all happened when RNLI lifeguard Max Lawrence noticed the surfer attempting to paddle out, but he then began to be dragged by the rip current into the smaller coves under the cliffs to the left hand side of the beach.
The conditions were far from calm, with a yellow Met Office weather warning in place at the time of the incident.
We're told there were strong offshore winds and 1-1.5 metre waves.
Once lifeguards were satisfied the casualty was ok they were reunited with their family and safe to go home.
RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor , Drustan Ward said: "Max did a great job responding quickly and getting the casualty back to shore in very difficult conditions.
"The incident serves as a reminder about the dangers of our coastline and how quickly things can change and especially if inexperienced, they might not always be visible.
"If you find yourself in a rip current don’t panic, don’t try to swim or paddle if you’re surfing, against the current as you’ll get exhausted, if you can stand- wade and if you’re out of your depth swim or paddle parallel to the shore until free of the rip current and head to shore.’
If there are no lifeguards present, and you see someone in trouble, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.