RNLI lifeguard supervisor Beau Gillett and lifeguards Tristan Gillett, Ed Sampson, Matthew Holt, Sophie Conway and Andy Wrennell were presented their awards by RNLI Area Lifesaving Manager James Millidge, on Wednesday, October 12. The lifesaving rescue took place on Thursday, August 20 2020 on Tregonhawke beach, Whitsand Bay in South East Cornwall. It was a busy day on the beach with a two to three metre swell coupled with a strong south-westerly wind creating challenging conditions, but the lifeguards had identified a small, safe bathing area which beach goers were enjoying. 

Shortly after lunchtime, RNLI lifeguards Matthew Holt and Sophie Conway were patrolling on the waters edge when they spotted a group of bathers drifting out of their depth in a sudden rip current that had formed to the east of the red and yellow bathing flags. Matt immediately entered the water with a rescue tube and fins and swam towards the group of bathers. Sophie remained at the water’s edge and radioed her colleagues to inform them of the unfolding situation. She also asked everyone else to exit the bathing area and lowered the flags. 

Meanwhile, RNLI lifeguards Tristan Gillett and Ed Sampson launched the inshore rescue boat (IRB). Lifeguard supervisor Beau Gillett had run down from the lifeguard facility and begun paddling a rescue board to the scene to join Matt and the casualties who were now about 200m out to sea and  very spread out amongst the rip current. Matt secured a teenager and a child with his rescue tube, while Beau secured an adult and another teenager on his rescue board and the lifeguards aboard the IRB picked up three children, returning them safely to shore. All the casualties were in shock and very scared. Off-duty RNLI lifeguard Andy Wrennell was teaching a surfing lesson and witnessed the incident unfolding.

He swam through the breaking surf to the scene and rescued the final adult, towing the casualty using surf lifesaving techniques back to shore. Meanwhile the IRB returned through the surf to pick up the child who was being supported by Matt, and the teenager from Beau. Matt was able to swim the other casualty back to shore while Beau paddled the remaining adult casualty back on his rescue board. In total, six RNLI lifeguards had quickly and safely rescued eight casualties. Due to the conditions worsening on the incoming tide, the whole beach was subsequently red flagged. 

Charlie Gillett, RNLI Lead Lifeguard Supervisor for south east Cornwall, says: “Both Beau and Tristan showed excellent leadership skills and trust in their team. Their quick decision making under pressure resulted in the casualties being rescued very soon after they were in danger.

 “The size and strength of the swell was challenging for all of the lifeguards involved and the IRB helm and crew showed excellent skill and determination to negotiate the surf and pick their path through the water, especially with such a strong wind and the increased risk of capsizing. ‘Matt demonstrated excellent lifesaving skills and strength swimming out through the surf and Andy’s awareness and response time whilst off-duty shows great courage and selflessness. 

“Sophie’s communication and quick response was crucial, and she made some important decisions under immense pressure which helped the whole team and made sure members of the public remained safe and out of the water whilst the incident was unfolding. 

“All six lifeguards demonstrated excellent lifesaving skills in triaging the eight casualties, supporting them until back-up arrived. A collaboration of selflessness, courage and trustworthiness.”

James Millidge, RNLI Area Lifesaving Manager says; “It was a great pleasure to be able to present our lifeguards with these thoroughly deserving awards. This rescue came right in the middle of an exceptionally busy summer season in 2020, when our lifeguard teams were frequently pushed to their limits keeping beach goers safe.

“It is testament to their skill, their training and their professionalism that they worked so effectively as a team to ensure everyone was brought back to shore safely.  The charity couldn’t be prouder of their courage and determination and I am honoured to have been able to give them these awards in recognition of this.”