10-year-old child rescued from sea off Cornwall coast
The alarm was raised at Praa Sands beach earlier today
A dramatic rescue has taken place to bring a 10-year-old to safety off the coast of Cornwall.
Emergency services were called to Praa Sands beach after the child experienced difficulties on a paddle board.
The Penlee Lifeboats were launched at 12:54pm today (Tuesday 17th February 2026) following a call from MRCC Falmouth Coastguard.
Both the All Weather Lifeboat ‘Ivan Ellen’ and the Inshore Lifeboat ‘Mollie & Ivor Dent’ set out to tackle conditions described as a South East force 5 to 6 wind and 2-metre swell.
Coxswain Patch Harvey led the crew on the ‘Ivan Ellen’ with six volunteer members, while helmsman Will Treneer commanded the ‘Mollie & Ivor Dent’ with two crew members.
Child rescued by coastguard and lifeboat crews
Upon arrival at the scene, the Penlee Inshore Lifeboat crew located the paddle board among the surf but no individual was found in the water.
Fortunately, the child had been assisted to safety by Falmouth Coastguard and was being assessed by paramedics.
Rescue efforts were supported by the Rescue 924 Coastguard Search & Rescue helicopter, Cornwall Air Ambulance, and Penzance Coastguard Cliff Rescue teams, who stood by ready to offer further assistance.
Released from the scene
At approximately 1.40pm, it was confirmed that no additional medical help was needed, and the helicopters and lifeboats were released after expressing gratitude for the rapid response.
The young person was transported to the hospital via ambulance for further evaluation.
Penlee Lifeboat station posted about what happened on social media.