South Devon RNLI lifeguards save three lives as patrols on some beaches in the South Hams finish
RNLI Lifeguards saved three lives with incidents at Blackpool Sands and Slapton in the final week of peak season patrols (September 1 to September 7)
RNLI Lifeguards saved three lives with incidents at Blackpool Sands and Slapton in the final week of peak season patrols (September 1 to September 7).
At Slapton (Torcross), RNLI Lifeguards Zoe Durant and Jake King spotted two swimmers in difficulty a considerable distance from the shore and outside of the red and yellow flagged area.
Jake immediately responded on a rescue board, reaching and securing the casualties in good time.
Meanwhile, Zoe coordinated with the Coastguard and requested a lifeboat to assist Jake with the two casualties due to the distance from shore.
However, with help from a passing fishing vessel, Jake managed to safely bring both casualties ashore before lifeboat help was required.
Zoe and Jake provided emergency casualty care and monitored the swimmers before they were allowed to leave, armed with essential safety advice.
At Blackpool Sands, RNLI Lifeguard Joe Robinson reacted immediately after spotting a swimmer struggling in challenging dumping waves.
Joe put his training to good use, swiftly rescuing the swimmer before checking for injuries and issuing safety advice.
During the incident, RNLI Lifeguard Dan Torrance stood-by to assist if required whilst closely monitoring the red and yellow flagged zone to ensure the safety of all other water users.
RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor Dylan Pegg said:
‘I’m proud of how our lifeguards responded to these equally challenging incidents. Their swift actions and effective decision making resulted in positive outcomes for all three casualties. As the change of season brings increasingly difficult sea conditions, we are urging anyone visiting the coast to choose a lifeguarded beach and to only swim and surf within their limits.’
The 2025 peak season finished on Sunday 7 September, bringing an end to lifeguard patrols at Blackpool Sands, Slapton and Hope Cove. RNLI Lifeguards are still patrolling at Bantham, Sedgewell Cove and Challaborough daily between 10am-6pm until Sunday 28 September.
Following this, Bantham will remain with weekend cover only until a final week of full-time patrols over October half term will close the season.