RNLI warning after 13 rescued from rip current

Thirteen people were rescued by lifeguards after getting caught in a rip current off a Cornish beach.

The RNLI said the incident at Trebarwith Strand in north Cornwall on Sunday was one of several rescues it has been involved with during the recent spell of hot weather.

Others include a the rescue of a swimmer at Mawgan Porth, and a kite surfer who had drifted a mile off shore near Exmouth in Devon.

The RNLI said the best way to avoid rips is to only use beaches with lifeguards and swim between red and yellow flags.

Lead Lifeguard supervisor for Padstow Leon Bennett praised the bravery of his team after the mass rescue in Cornwall.

"Thirteen people were swept off their feet and caught in the rip current that formed suddenly," he said.

"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."

The RNLI said another incident happened on 25 June when a swimmer at Mawgan Porth in Cornwall was "dragged quickly out of his depth by the strong current".

The swimmer was initially rescued by lifeguard Nick Hooper and then assisted by another team member with a rescue water craft.

Lifeguard supervisor Mark Priem said: "Thankfully the swimmer was at a lifeguarded beach, and between the red and yellow flags and Nick was able to see the situation and react quickly."

The RNLI said Devon lifeguards have had "a number of incidents during the latest spell of hot weather".

It said a kite surfer in Exmouth was caught in an offshore wind and outgoing tide and ended up more than a mile out to sea when rescued.

Exmouth lifeguards also provided emergency care to an unconscious casualty on the beach.

At Sandy Bay, three paddleboarders were assisted back to shore after struggling against the wind and current.

A swimmer also had to be rescued by lifeguards at Dawlish Warren.

Lifeguard supervisor for East Devon Jake Butt said: "We'd urge anyone hoping to enjoy the beach or spend time on or in the water to take note of the conditions and key safety advice, and speak to our friendly lifeguards who are happy to help.

"Huge thanks to our lifeguards for their dedication, professionalism and tireless efforts."

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