Lifeguards rescue five swimmers caught in rip currents at Gyllyngvase Beach
Safety warning issued after dangerous beach conditions
Gyllyngvase Surf Life Saving Club has issued a safety warning after rescuing five children trapped in a rip current on Bank Holiday Monday.
Warm weather accompanied by strong easterly winds during the club's first patrol of the season led to dangerous swimming conditions at Gyllyngvase Beach, Falmouth.
As the patrol prepared to end, a group of teenagers entered the water near the hazardous right-hand reef, where strong currents swiftly pulled them out to sea.
Club Chair Lois Leonard, with off-duty RNLI lifeguard Matthew Stone and Cags Gilbert onshore, successfully rescued all five individuals.
Lois Leonard said, “They were around 100 metres out and clinging to the board. It could have been a very different outcome without trained lifeguards on patrol.”
The club has advised beachgoers to be cautious, particularly in areas where easterly winds can create rip currents.
Gyllyngvase Surf Life Saving Club urges swimmers to avoid the beach's right-hand side during such conditions and to contact the Coastguard via 999 if anyone appears in trouble.
The club remains committed to volunteer patrols before and throughout the RNLI season, thanks to ongoing support that aids in funding lifesaving equipment.