Four swimmers rescued from 'powerful rip'

Four swimmers had to be rescued after they were caught in a "powerful rip" off the Cornish coast, the RNLI said.

Lifeguards responded to the incident at Tregantle Beach, Whitsand Bay, on Wednesday afternoon.

The RNLI said lifeguard supervisor Charlie Gillett had positioned himself at Sharrow to monitor the water due to concerns about rip currents. He spotted four swimmers in difficulty at the far end of the area known as Longsands, with one person appearing to be in immediate distress.

The RNLI said due to the severity of the incident, additional support was requested including Looe RNLI's Atlantic and D class inshore lifeboats.

The RNLI said while the lifeboats made their way across Looe Bay, the lifeguards on scene ensured all the swimmers got safely ashore.

Volunteer lifeboat operations manager Clive Palfrey said: "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 one of several incidents dealt with by Tregonhawke RNLI lifeguards this month.

A spokesman said: "Between 3-8 April, 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."

Gillett warned of the danger of rip currents which could be difficult to spot, he said.

"They are sometimes identified by a channel of churning, choppy water on the sea's surface," he explained.

"Even the most experienced beachgoers can be caught out by rips, so don't be afraid to ask lifeguards for advice."

The RNLI has this advice if you do find yourself caught in a rip current:

• 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 and then head for shore.
• Always raise your hand and shout for help.

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