LIFEGUARDS based in North Cornwall have been praised for their bravery after saving 13 people from the sea.

RNLI lifeguards patrolling Trebarwith Strand beach in North Cornwall have been praised for their quick thinking and bravery after rescuing 13 people from the sea duriong a single day.

On June 29, the sea conditions were extremely challenging, with big spring tides and large swell creating lots of water movement, coupled with the sunshine that drew plenty of people to the beaches in the region meant the lifeguards had a busy day.

On Trebarwith due to the nature of the beach, the conditions meant the team on duty were reacting constantly to the changing water movement, at one point a large set of waves, created a rip current to form on one of the sand bars and dragged a number of bathers quickly out of their depth which RNLI lifeguards and members of the local community reacted to.

RNLI lifeguard supervisor Leon Bennet sayd that “without the actions of the lifeguards it would have been a very serious incident.”

He said: “13 people were swept off their feet and caught in the rip current that formed suddenly. The lifeguards on duty did a fantastic job of keeping everyone safe and reacted quickly, working as a team, with help from members of the public to reach everyone and bring them swiftly back to shore. Three of the 13 were not strong swimmers and in very real danger, without the actions of the lifeguards it would have been a very serious incident. Well done to everyone involved.

“As we approach our peak season, we strongly urge everyone to swim at a lifeguarded beach. If the lifeguards are off duty and you see anyone in trouble then please call 999 and ask for the coastguard.”