Major rescue after two children got caught in a rip while surfing in Cornwall
Both St Ives lifeboats, Coastguard rescuers and the Coastguard helicopter were called to Gwithian on Saturday
Last updated 1st Mar 2021
Two children have had to be rescued from the sea in Cornwall after they got caught in a rip whilst surfing.
Both St Ives lifeboats were launched to Gwithian, to reports of concern for two adults and two youngsters.
The Portreath Coastguard Rescue Team and the Coastguard helicopter were also scrambled on Saturday.
Luckily, the pair had been reached by other surfers and helped back to the beach when the lifeboat crews arrived.
They provided care to the teenagers, before the paramedics arrived to check them over.
Both adults, who had also made it back to the beach, were checked but did not need any medical assistance.
What do I do if I get caught in a rip?
- Don't try to swim against it or you'll get exhausted.
- If you can stand, wade don't swim.
- If you can, swim parallel to the shore until free of the rip and then head for shore.
- Always raise your hand and shout for help.
For more information on rip currents please visit the RNLI's sea safety website.
Speaking about Saturday's incident, St Ives Lifeboat Coxswain Rob Cocking said: "It's a good reminder that rips are strong currents running out to sea, which can quickly drag people and debris away from the shallows of the shoreline and out to deeper water. Rips are especially powerful in larger surf, but never underestimate the power of any water".
"Rips are especially powerful in larger surf, but never underestimate the power of any water".
St Ives Lifeboat Coxswain, Rob Hocking