RNLI lifeguards on patrol at Whitsand Bay, south east Cornwall, have helped ten people cut off by the tide in the last two days.

With evening spring high tides this week, the RNLI is reminding people to be aware of the tide conditions when out enjoying the coast.

The latest incident happened last night (July 20) at around 6.20pm when lifeguards Jake Marshall and Mike Annells were on the water in the inshore rescue boat (IRB) and spotted two teenagers climbing over rocks near the Happy Valley area of the bay, heading towards Tregonhawke.

The teenagers, one female and one male, were making progress but would have been unable to get around the last rocky outcrop to the beach. The Lifeguards beached their IRB and took them safely round to Tregonhawke where they could exit the beach up the cliff.

A similar incident happened the day before (July 19), when eight teenagers were rescued near Freathy. They had also become cut off by the incoming tide and were trying to climb back around from an area known locally as Frying Pan to Freathy. Jake and Mike used the inshore rescue boat to transport all eight to safety.

Lifeguards at Tregonhawke and Tregantle will be working until 7pm when the high tides coincide with the evening, to ensure people enjoying the beach later in the day are kept safe.

Jake Marshall reminded people to check the tide conditions: ‘We’re experiencing spring tides this week which create faster and stronger currents, and as a result the tide can come in quicker than people may expect. 

‘There is a huge expanse of beach at Whitsand Bay when the tide is out, but when the tide turns, many areas become cut off with no access back up the cliff. The RNLI lifeguards carry out preventative patrols in our inshore rescue boat when the tide is coming in to ensure people are clear from the several cut-off areas across the bay. 

‘We urge people to check the tide times and conditions before heading down to Whitsand Bay and ensure they have a clear exit route from the beach at all times.  The lifeguards are on hand to help should you have any questions, so please don’t hesitate to come and speak to one of the team.’