RNLI lifeguards Porth Beach rescue efforts on Sunday, August 30 ended with 11 beachgoers brought to safety after they moved out of the red and yellow flags into stronger currents and deeper water near Newquay. One casualty was found unconscious and submerged in the water, turning a crowded swim into a high-risk rescue.
Harry Barea reached a group far offshore and helped bring the unconscious casualty and two others safely ashore. The casualty became unconscious again on the beach and required emergency care, while one person was later transferred into the care of paramedics for further assessment.
Harry Barea at Porth Beach
Barea’s intervention came after lifeguards were alerted to a large group of 11 beachgoers in distress near the mouth of the Porth River and Porth Beach. By the time the rescue was under way, the group had moved into water with stronger currents and deeper sections, alongside strong currents, large swells, spring tides and increased river flow following recent rainfall.
Louis Harris then entered the water and reached a nearer group of swimmers, using his rescue board before bringing eight casualties to safety. Elodie Sykes also swam out with a rescue tube as part of the coordinated response, and a member of the public on a foil surfboard helped one casualty back to shore.
Louis Harris and Elodie Sykes
All eleven casualties were recovered from the water on Sunday. HM Coastguard and the ambulance service were requested for additional support as the casualty who had been unconscious on the beach was assessed.
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. With strong currents, deeper water and a large number of people involved, this incident could have ended very differently.”
RNLI advice after rescue
The RNLI has reminded beachgoers to check local safety advice before entering the water and to always carry a means of calling for help where possible. At Porth Beach, the rescue finished with every person accounted for, but only after a fast sequence of decisions offshore and on the sand.
