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Six-year-old’s quick thinking saves two in RNLI lifeboat rescue at St Agnes

Lifeboats News Release

Keen eyed Sam (6) spotted two people waving for help and realised they were cut off by the tide.

RNLI/Emma Watkins

Six year old Sam with St Agnes RNLI crew

The quick-thinking youngster told his parents who called 999 to alert the Coastguard. Minutes later St Agnes RNLI lifeboat was launched to assist the two holiday makers trapped on Star Beach near Trevaunance Cove, St Agnes.

Volunteer RNLI helm, Rich Draisey, said: 'Star Beach is a classic cut-off spot because it is tucked in below the cliffs and people do not see that the tide has already come in around the corner. Thanks to Sam’s awareness and his parents’ timely call to the emergency services, we were able to bring the casualties safely to shore.'

Sam, pictured with volunteer RNLI lifeboat crew, Amy Bucknole, Charlie Jenkins and Rich Draisey, is keen to hone his water safety skills and is due to join St Agnes Surf Lifesaving Club this summer.

For more information about how to stay safe visit the RNLI’s safety guide:

https://rnli.org/safety/know-the-risks/tides

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Tom Knight, Lifeboat Press Officer on 07538 418391 [email protected] or Emma Haines, RNLI Regional Media Officer, on 07786 668847 or [email protected]

Key facts about the RNLI

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.

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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.