Swimmer pulled from the water by RNLI crews after getting stuck in a rip current

Our volunteer crew’s launched the charity’s Plymouth Inshore Lifeboat Annabel E Jones Looe’s Inshore Lifeboat Sheila & Dennis Tongue II and the D-Class Ollie Naismith II to reports of a person caught in a rip current at Sharrow Point. Search and Rescue Helicopter 924 from Newquay were also tasked to assist but was re tasked to another shout shortly after arriving on scene.

As the Plymouth RNLI lifeboat crew arrived on scene they found that two surfers Jack and Harry had seen the lady in difficulty and proceeded to the area to assist her. Cold and shaken the casualty was taken on board the Plymouth Inshore Lifeboat to be assessed and warm up. Looe’s Inshore Lifeboat arrived on scene and crew member Vicky came on board to assist with casualty care back to Plymouth Lifeboat station where South West Ambulance Service awaited her arrival.

Plymouth RNLI Inshore Lifeboat helm Will Roberts said:

'We made best speed in the charity’s Atlantic 85 class lifeboat to the area knowing that there was a person in the water needing our assistance. As we arrived on scene we found the casualty requiring further medical attention and we would like to thank Vicky Looe’s volunteer crew member for assisting.'

Volunteer lifeboat crew Neil Humphrey said:

'A big thank you to the two surfers Jack and Harry who assisted keeping her afloat until help arrived. Also thank you to Plymouth & Tamar Coastguard Rescue Teams who were attending to her family watching from the beach. We would always recommend swim at a lifeguarded beach between the red and yellow flags and take a means of calling for help like a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch.'

If you find yourself in danger in the water, float to live

Check the tide times.

Dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard if you get in to difficulty around the coast.

Find out more at RNLI.org/safety

Note to editors :

Interviews can be arranged with crew by contacting:

John Baldry Plymouth Lifeboat Press Officer 07792649768, Darren Blight Plymouth Lifeboat Press Officer 07984399860,

Ian Foster Looe Press Officer07902753228

The RNLI was founded by Sir William Hillary in 1824. The commitment and dedication of our volunteer crews and lifeguards remains as strong today as it was then. Collectively, they have saved more than 144,000 lives since the charity was founded 199 years ago.

Next year (2024) we will mark the RNLI’s 200th anniversary. We will remember our remarkable history, celebrate the modern lifesaving service we provide today,
and look forward to inspiring future generations of lifesavers and supporters as we move into the next 200 years.
Visit RNLI.org/200.

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.