RNLI responds to multiple swimmers caught in Tregantle rip currents

RNLI lifeguards and Looe RNLI volunteer lifeboat crews responded to a challenging Easter holiday incident at Tregantle Beach, Whitsand Bay, after several swimmers got caught in rip currents on 8th April.

With warm weather drawing large crowds to the south east Cornwall beaches. RNLI lifeguards have been conducting daily patrols at Tregonhawke beach during the Easter holidays.

Late afternoon, RNLI Lead Lifeguard Supervisor Charlie Gillett observed four swimmers in distress at Longsands from Sharrow beach lifeguard unit.

Lifeguards immediately dispatched the inshore rescue boat (IRB), crewed by Tristan Gillett and Terry Dungay, to the scene, a 2.5-mile journey.

RNLI lifeguards informed Falmouth Coastguard Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre and requested further support. At 4.35pm, Looe RNLI launched their Atlantic and D class lifeboats to assist.

While the lifeboats navigated Looe Bay, the lifeguards managed to get all swimmers safely ashore with the help of a stronger swimmer assisting an adult in distress. Subsequently, the lifeboats were stood down by the Coastguard after verifying the swimmers were safe and conducting initial medical checks.

Volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager Clive Palfrey praised the collaboration:

‘The lifeguards made exactly the right call by requesting support from Looe RNLI D class lifeboat, the most suitable asset for surf zone rescues. In fast-moving situations like this, knowing a lifeboat is on the way allows lifeguards to focus entirely on the rescue in front of them.’

The Easter period proved to be an active start for Tregonhawke RNLI lifeguards, who responded to 13 incidents between 3rd and 8th April. This included one rescue, eight assists, and 114 near misses, largely caused by rip currents with increased beach activity.

Charlie Gillett cautions about rip currents: ‘Rip currents can be difficult to spot but are sometimes identified by a channel of churning, choppy water on the sea's surface. Even the most experienced beachgoers can be caught out by rips, so don’t be afraid to ask lifeguards for advice.’

First for all the latest news from across the UK every hour on Hits Radio on DAB, at hitsradio.co.uk and on the Rayo app.