Rips and a fracture lead to a busy day for lifeguards

RNLI lifeguards came to the aid of several people at Fistral beach in Newquay on Saturday (14 June), responding to a series of incidents throughout the day.

Just five minutes into their shift, lifeguards spotted two learner surfers struggling at the northern end of the beach in a strong rip current in front of the rocks.

The RNLI says the Rescue Water Craft (RWC) was immediately launched, and the surfers were returned to shore, where no further casualty care was required.

A couple of hours later, at around 1pm, RNLI lifeguard Otis Perry was called into action when a swimmer was seen by his colleagues struggling in the water between the red and yellow flags. Using the RWC, Otis safely brought the casualty back to shore.

At 2.30pm, another learner surfer was seen in difficulty in the same strong rip current at the northern end of the beach, struggling to make their way back to shore.

Lifeguard Gabe Llewellyn launched the RWC and successfully returned the surfer to safety.

The busy afternoon continued when lifeguards were approached by a member of the public who had suffered a suspected fractured collarbone in the surf. The casualty was taken to the lifeguard facility, where they were given pain relief and fitted with a sling before being advised to attend hospital.

Lead Lifeguard Supervisor for Newquay, Lewis Timson, said:
“Saturday was a busy day for our lifeguards, but they did an excellent job of keeping the public safe.

“Rip currents can be difficult to spot, but are sometimes identified by a channel of churning, choppy water on the sea's surface, so don’t be afraid to ask lifeguards for advice. They will show you how you can identify and avoid rips.

“With warm weather expected for the rest of the week and into the weekend, we urge people to visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags, as this is the area most closely monitored by lifeguards.

“If you get into trouble in the water, Float to Live. Tilt your head back with ears submerged and try to relax and control your breathing. Use your hands to help you stay afloat, and then call for help or swim to safety if you can.”