Over a dozen people had to be rescued from the sea at a popular beach in north Cornwall after being swept off their feet and caught in a rip current. The RNLI said the incident at Trebarwith Strand near Tintagel was one of several rescues it has been involved with during the recent spell of hot weather.
Three of the 13 people who had to be saved by RNLI lifeguards at Trebarwith were not strong swimmers and were in “very real danger”, the RNLI said. However, the lifeguards patrolling the beach at the time were praised for their quick thinking and bravery after carrying out a mass rescue.
The conditions on the day (Sunday, June 29) were said to be extremely challenging, with big spring tides and large swell creating lots of water movement, coupled with the sunshine that drew plenty of people to the beaches in the region meant the lifeguards had a busy day.
Due to the nature of the beach at Trebarwith, the conditions meant the team on duty were reacting constantly to the changing water movement and at one point, a large set of waves caused a rip current to form on one of the sand bars and dragged the bathers quickly out of their depth.
File photo: The RNLI carried out a mass rescue at Trebarwith Strand after 13 people got caught in a rip current (Image: Pauline Kent)
RNLI lifeguard supervisor Leon Bennett said: “13 people were swept off their feet and caught in the rip current that formed suddenly. The lifeguards on duty did a fantastic job of keeping everyone safe and reacted quickly, working as a team, with help from members of the public to reach everyone and bring them swiftly back to shore.
“Three of the 13 were not strong swimmers and in very real danger, without the actions of the lifeguards it would have been a very serious incident. Well done to everyone involved. As we approach our peak season, we strongly urge everyone to swim at a lifeguarded beach. If the lifeguards are off duty and you see anyone in trouble then please call 999 and ask for the coastguard.”
RNLI lifeguards Andy Boxall, Sam Leader and Ollie Keast who were involved in the rescue at Trebarwith Strand (Image: RNLI)
Credit: cornwalllive.com