A fast‑moving and dramatic rescue took place in Cornwall this week when a powerful rip current swept multiple swimmers into danger during the busy Easter holidays.
RNLI lifeguards in South East Cornwall and volunteer crews from Looe RNLI were thrown into action on Wednesday, April 8, when the rip current at Tregantle Beach, Whitsand Bay, swept several swimmers out to sea.
With warm temperatures and bright sunshine drawing large crowds, Whitsand Bay saw conditions more like midsummer than early April. RNLI lifeguards have been carrying out daily Easter holiday patrols at Tregonhawke beach.
Late in the afternoon, with several strong rip currents developing, RNLI Lead Lifeguard Supervisor Charlie Gillett positioned himself at the Sharrow beach lifeguard unit to monitor the water from a vantage point. He spotted four swimmers in difficulty at the far end of an area known as Longsands, with one person appearing to be in immediate distress.
Recognising the severity of the situation, an urgent call was made to the lifeguards at Tregonhawke, who launched the inshore rescue boat (IRB), crewed by lifeguards Tristan Gillett and Terry Dungay. They faced a 2.5‑mile transit to reach the scene.
RNLI lifeguards updated Falmouth Coastguard Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) and requested additional support. At 4.35pm, Looe RNLI’s Atlantic and D class inshore lifeboats were launched following a request to assist.
While the lifeboats made their way across Looe Bay, RNLI lifeguards in the IRB ensured all the swimmers were safely ashore. A stronger swimmer in the group also helped an adult who was struggling in the rip. Once all swimmers were confirmed safely out of the water and initial medical assessments were completed, the Coastguard stood down both lifeboats and the volunteer crews returned to station.
Volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager Clive Palfrey commended the teamwork between services: “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.”
It was an extremely busy start to the season for Tregonhawke RNLI lifeguards. Between April 3–8, they responded to 13 incidents, including one rescue, eight assists, and 114 near misses — many involving swimmers caught in developing rip currents as beach activity increased over the Easter holidays.
RNLI Lead Lifeguard Supervisor Charlie Gillett warns of the dangers of 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.”
If you do find yourself caught in a rip:
• Don’t try to swim against it or you’ll get exhausted.
• If you can stand, wade — don’t swim.
• If you can, swim parallel to the shore until free of the rip, then head for shore.
• Always raise your hand and shout for help.
This incident, along with others throughout the day, highlights the importance of visiting lifeguarded beaches, staying within the red and yellow flags, and always calling 999 or 112 and asking for the Coastguard in an emergency.
To find your nearest RNLI lifeguarded beach, visit https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeguarded-beaches.
Share