RNLI lifeguards carried out a Porth Beach Newquay swimmer rescue on Sunday, August 30, after one person was found unconscious and submerged in the water near Newquay. Eleven swimmers were brought out of danger near the mouth of the Porth River and Porth Beach.
The group had moved beyond the red and yellow flags and into stronger currents and deeper water. Recent rainfall added to the challenge by increasing river flow, while large swells and spring tides made the water harder to manage.
Harry Barea offshore rescue
Harry Barea reached a far-offshore group where one casualty had become submerged, unconscious and unresponsive. He brought that casualty and two others safely ashore, while Louis Harris entered the water and reached a nearer group of swimmers.
Harris used his rescue board before bringing eight casualties to safety. Elodie Sykes also swam out with a rescue tube as the lifeguards worked through the separate groups of swimmers in the water.
Dave Kelly describes incident
RNLI senior lifeguard Dave Kelly said: “This was a significant and complex incident involving a large group of swimmers who got into difficulty in challenging conditions.” He added: “The teamwork shown by the lifeguards was outstanding.”
Kelly also said: “With strong currents, deeper water and a large number of people involved, this incident could have ended very differently.” He said: “The quick actions, professionalism and training of the lifeguard team played a vital role in achieving a positive outcome.”
Paramedics take over
The casualty who had been brought ashore became unconscious again and needed emergency care. HM Coastguard and the ambulance service were requested for additional support, and one person was transferred into the care of paramedics for further assessment.
A member of the public on a foil surfboard also helped one casualty back to shore. For anyone heading to Porth Beach and Porth River, the rescue showed how quickly conditions can change once swimmers move beyond the flagged area and into stronger water.
