Lifeguards save swimmer's life at Praa Sands during training session
The team were preparing for the new season when they were called into action
RNLI lifeguards from South Cornwall have saved the life of a swimmer who got into difficulty in strong currents at Praa Sands beach yesterday afternoon (Wednesday 2nd April).
The team weren't actually on duty, but were on the beach finishing their two-week induction training, ahead of the lifeguard season starting this weekend.
They had been practising rescues throughout the day and were in the middle of a debrief when the call came in from Falmouth Coastguard at around 5.00pm.
The swimmer had been waving for help off Hoe Point to the west of the beach, in near gale force winds which brought big swells and incredibly strong currents.
Senior lifeguard Matt Trewhella entered the sea in his shorts using a rescue board to try to locate the person.
A local surfer also attempted to assist but he quickly returned to the beach as the dumping waves and currents were so strong.
Matt paddled around 200 metres off-shore and thankfully managed to find the casualty, who was only just keeping himself above the water.
Using his rescue board, he brought the man out of the water, but they were being washed towards the rocks and cliff at Sydney Cove.
Penlee RNLI Lifeboat volunteers were also being tasked to assist alongside local Coastguard teams from Porthleven.
A team of four lifeguards managed to bring the casualty to shore, following around 15 minutes in the water.
An ambulance soon arrived and the paramedics took over the treatment.
RNLI Lead Lifeguard Supervisor Adam Harris, said: "I’m incredibly proud of the team of nine lifeguards who, although weren’t on active duty, showed incredible courage and teamwork to save the life of a holiday maker at Praa Sands. If we were not there, I fear there would have been a completely different outcome.
"Well done to the team who entered the water, especially Matt Trewhella, who risked his own life to save another. Also, to Matthew and Andy for coordinating the incident and Nelly, Paul and Hamish for their casualty care skills."
RNLI Trainer and Senior Lifeguard Matthew Stone, said: "This incident demonstrates the importance of our training. The team showed immense skill and determination, placing themselves in harm’s way to rescue someone in difficulty. Thank you to the Penlee RNLI, Porthleven Coastguard Team, SWAST ambulance and staff members from Stones reef café for assisting."
RNLI Supervisor Andy Bray, added: "This rescue shows how important it is to visit an RNLI lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags. RNLI lifeguard cover will be commencing at Praa Sands (10am-6pm) this Saturday April 5th, and then over the Easter period.
"There's a forecast for constant strong winds creating unpredictable swell and currents to be hitting the southwest over the next few weeks, so be extra careful if you are visiting the coast and follow the advice of our RNLI lifeguard teams."
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