RNLI lifeguards save two surfers at Perranporth
The charity says they did a 'fantastic job'
The RNLI has praised three lifeguards who rescued two surfers in trouble in Perranporth.
The trio were lifeguards were just getting ready to finish for the day, at around 6:05pm, when a member of the public approached them having spotted two surfers were in danger in the gap, an area of the beach between Chapel Rock and the headland, which usually has strong rip currents.
Senior lifeguard George Hudson drove the lifeguard truck to the water’s edge before paddling out on the rescue board where he saved a 13-year old boy, who was being assisted by a member of the public. George paddled him back to shore and administered casualty care.
Meanwhile, RNLI Lifeguards, Terri Warner and Rosalie Longman had successfully rescued a 36-year-old man caught in the same rip current, getting him safely back to shore and provided casualty care while the team waited for paramedics to arrive.
Paramedics arrived at approximately 6:28pm and the lifeguards helped get the casualties to the ambulance where they were then taken to hospital.
RNLI Lead Lifeguard supervisor for Perranporth Anton Page said:
‘Our lifeguards did a fantastic job in responding after hours to two casualties who had been caught in a dangerous rip current at Perranporth beach.
‘Thankfully our lifeguards were still on the beach and able to assist but we remind people that lifeguards patrol beaches from 10am-6pm and if you are planning on going in the water, go to a lifeguarded beach between these hours. Furthermore, if you do get in to trouble remember to Float to Live - lie on your back with your ears submerged and fight your instinct to panic and wait for help to arrive.’
With the south west busy with people enjoying the half term school holidays, the RNLI is reminding people when they go to the coast, to head to a lifeguarded beach, swim and bodyboard between the red and yellow flags and if you have any safety questions, please ask an RNLI lifeguard and listen to their advice.