Swimmers rescued after being swept onto rocks by strong current

Wednesday, 9 July 2025 14:38

Pic credit: RNLI/Nathan Williams

Two swimmers have been rescued by lifeguards after being swept onto rocks by a strong current at Crantock Beach.

RNLI lifeguards were preparing to end their shift when they spotted three people entering the water at the northern end of the beach on Saturday 5th July.

Lifeguard Harry Reed immediately warned the group, advising them over the PA system to exit the water due to dangerous conditions.

As the time approached 5:55pm, a further announcement was made urging the swimmers to return to shore. One of them managed to get out safely, but the remaining two - a young man and woman - were seen signalling for help before being suddenly swept away and disappearing from view.

Lifeguards Anthony Kilday and Greg Spray quickly launched two rescue boards, but the challenging conditions made it difficult to locate the casualties.

The RNLI said that just as the team began to fear the pair had gone under, Greg spotted the young man signalling from rocks where he had been swept. He pointed to his companion, who was injured.

After navigating through the surf and rocks, Greg was able to get the injured woman onto his rescue board and paddle her back to shore. Anthony, who had been searching in the rip current, returned through large surf to rescue the man from the rocks.

The woman had sustained multiple cuts, bruises and abrasions, and had swallowed a lot of water. The man was shocked but uninjured. Transport was arranged to take them both to A&E to rule out any risk of secondary drowning.

The charity says Lifeguards Elenie Shotton and Freya Lock, along with Harry, took over casualty care, keeping the rest of the group calm while they waited for medical assistance.

RNLI lifeguard Greg Spray said:
"The two casualties rescued were ultimately very lucky. A couple of minutes more and we would have already left the beach. As the tide was dropping, they would have been either stuck there until the Coastguard or lifeboat was alerted, or may have attempted to do something rash while cold, tired and hurt.

The lifeguard team did so well. Harry, as senior, was a great team leader and expertly handled the truck in difficult terrain. Elenie did an amazing job with casualty care and keeping everyone calm alongside Freya. RNLI lifeguard Gonzalo Sevald also took over with post-incident aftercare. This was textbook teamwork."

The charity is reminding anyone visiting the coast to make sure they keep themselves and their families safe by following safety advice.

  • Choose a lifeguarded beach and always swim between the red and yellow flags – this area is most closely monitored.

  • If you find yourself struggling in the water, remember:
    Float to Live:

    • Tilt your head back with ears submerged.

    • Relax and try to breathe normally.

    • Move hands and feet gently to stay afloat.

    • Don’t worry if your legs sink – everyone floats differently.

    • Practise floating in a swimming pool if possible.

If you see someone else in trouble in the water:

  • Call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.

  • Encourage the person to relax and float on their back.

  • Throw them something that floats to help them stay afloat.

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