Two major rescues carried out by Newquay lifeguards in just two days
The RNLI is urging people to take care around the coast
Two major rescues have been carried out in Newquay in the space of just two days.
RNLI lifeguards at Fistral and Watergate Bay have dealt with incidents involving recreational water-craft this week.
At Fistral an inflatable kayak was being blow out to sea in off-shore winds and at Watergate Bay a jet-ski capsized.
On Sunday (8th May), at around 3pm, RNLI lifeguard Arron Evans spotted a kayak rapidly drifting out to sea in a strong off-shore wind. It was a calm, sunny day, but the south-easterly wind had carried the inflatable over 300m out to sea, beyond the south Fistral headland.
Arron immediately launched the rescue water craft (RWC) and sped to their aid whilst Fistral lifeguards monitored the kayakers. When Arron arrived at the scene, the couple were fishing off the side of the kayak and had noticed a tear where water was rapidly seeping in causing the kayak to deflate and lose buoyancy. Arron quickly pulled the casualties on to the RWC and returned them safely to shore, along with their equipment.
Due to wind direction blowing strongly out to sea, RNLI lifeguards positioned an orange windsock on the beach which represents that no inflatables should be taken into the water, but unfortunately the kayakers entered the water further down the beach and were unaware of the dangers.
RNLI lead lifeguard supervisor, Lewis Timson said: ‘‘The quick response from Fistral lifeguards resulted in both casualties safely returning to shore unharmed, but it is so important to always head to one of our lifeguarded beaches and speak to the lifeguards before entering the water.
"If you are planning a water activity be aware of the risks in the water, local tide times and weather forecast and always let the lifeguards know where you are going. We do not recommend using inflatables, especially when the orange windsock is flying."
On Tuesday (10th May), Watergate Bay RNLI lifeguards responded to an incident involving a recreational jet-ski that had capsized and one of the users was unable to get back on. The lifeguards launched their RWC and assisted the casualty safely back to shore.
The RNLI is urging anyone visiting the coast this summer to make sure 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