RNLI warning after boy, 13, and man rescued from sea

The RNLI has issued a warning after a boy, 13, and man were rescued while surfing on a Cornwall beach.

The pair got into difficulty whilst at Perranporth beach on 23 May at about 18:05 BST and were taken to hospital.

Two days later, on 25 May, lifeguards responded to 12 incidents in two-hours on the same beach, the RNLI said.

RNLI lead lifeguard supervisor for Perranporth, Anton Page, said: "If you do get into trouble remember to Float to Live - lie on your back with your ears submerged and fight your instinct to panic and wait for help to arrive."

Speaking about the incident on 23 May, Mr Page added: "Our lifeguards did a fantastic job in responding after hours to two casualties who had been caught in a dangerous rip current."

The rescue service said a member of the public approached the crew after they spotted the two surfers in danger "in the gap" - an area of the beach between Chapel Rock and the headland, which usually has "strong currents".

Senior lifeguard, George Hudson, paddled out on a rescue board where he saved the 13-year-old boy, who was being assisted by a member of the public.

RNLI lifeguards, Terri Warner and Rosalie Longman, successfully rescued a 36-year-old man caught in the same rip current and got him safely back to shore.

The RNLI said paramedics arrived at about 18:26 BST and the casualties were taken to hospital.

Mr Page reminded the public that patrols take place at lifeguarded beaches between 10:00 BST and 18:00 BST.

The RNLI added: "With the south west busy with people enjoying the half term school holidays, the RNLI is reminding people when they go to the coast, to head to a lifeguarded beach, swim and bodyboard between the red and yellow flags and if you have any safety questions, please ask an RNLI lifeguard and listen to their advice."

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