Just after 4.30pm the first shout went out requesting assistance for a person cut off by the tide. Thanks to quick thinkings locals this was dealt with quickly and the lifeboat didn't need to launch.
Shortly afterwards, at 4.45pm, the second shout went out to the volunteer lifeboat crew following a report that there were people in distress in the water.
It was quickly established that one casualty had been helped from the water by local surfers but there were serious concerns that a second person was missing. A multi-agency search and rescue mission was launched.
Both the Bude inshore lifeboat and the RWC (Rescue Water Craft) launched and began searching Summerleaze Bay.
Bude Coastguard Rescue Team were also on scene searching both Summerleaze and Crooklets beaches and Helicopter Rescue 924 was called to assist with the search.
Thankfully, the second casualty was found safe and well and the lifeboat and RWC were returned to the boathouse.
Liam Sharpe, Bude lifeboat operations manager said: 'Thankfully there was a good outcome for all the casualties today. As well as our dedicated team of lifeboat and shore crew volunteers, Bude Coastguard Rescue Team and Rescue 924, I'd also like to thank all the locals that helped with these rescues - without their assistance there might have been a different outcome. I'd also like to praise the casualty, who was rescued from the water by the surfers at Summerleaze, for raising the alarm that there might be a second casualty. Even though the second casualty was found safe, well and unaware of the search for him, if he had been in trouble then raising the alarm quickly would have been vital to achieve a successful outcome.'
Remember if you are in trouble at the coast, or see someone in difficulty, phone 999 and ask for the coastguard.
RNLI/Robin Bale
Bude Lifeboat crew members returning to the station.
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 142,700 lives.
