VIDEO: Lifeguards rescue seven people in a day on Cornish beaches

Lifeguards rescued seven people on Cornish beaches in a single day this week - including four novice surfers caught out by rip currents and three bodyboarders in separate incidents. Two surfers had to be rescued by lifeguard Jos Lawrence at Porthtowan on Wednesday after getting stuck in an area notorious for rip currents. Using a rescueboard, the RNLI lifeguard paddled out to the novices, pulling one on to his board and directing him to shore while the other surfer, who had luckily got washed towards shore, was able to find his feet. Meanwhile, lifeguards at Perranporth were called in to action when a flash rip current caught out two more novice surfers.
Working together, Sam Chamberlain on a rescue board and fellow lifeguard James Kirton, managed to pull the men to safety, while a bodyboarder who had been sucked out "dangerously deep" had to be rescued with an inshore lifeboat. Dickon Berriman, lifeguard manager for Carrick and Kerrier, said: "These incidents really demonstrate the value of bathing and surfing at a lifeguarded beach, so that the lifeguards can keep an eye on visitors and assist them if they get into difficulty."
"Flash rip currents are notorious on these open sandy beaches, once caught in one, it can take you out of your depth very quickly. If you are caught in a rip or a strong current, try to relax, use your board (if you have one) for buoyancy, raise an arm and wait to be rescued – concentrate on staying afloat rather than trying to swim against the current."