LIFEGUARDS in Bude have been kept busy on the beaches.

Last week Sandymouth lifeguards Jacob and Sam were alerted to a surfer in medical difficulty. At first, it was thought to be a diabetic related problem, but following the lifeguards’ first aid assessment, it became apparent that the problem was a lot more serious. The surfer quickly began to lose consciousness so Jacob and Sam put their recent first aid training into action and managed to bring him back around. Once paramedics arrived on scene, they couldn’t determine what was wrong with the patient. With a big, incoming tide, the decision was made to airlift him from the beach and get him to hospital, where further assessments could take place.

Just a few days later, an unidentified object was discovered buried in the sand on Summerleaze beach. Lifeguards Ben and Rory cordoned off the area, keeping the public a safe distance away, whilst they awaited the assistance of Bude Coastguard Rescue Team. Upon their arrival, pictures of the object were sent to the police. They too could not identify the object, so Plymouth Bomb Disposal Unit was tasked to come and collect the object safely.

This week it is the start of peak season induction. Ten more lifeguards will be put through their lifeguard training, getting them fit and ready for the coming months. From Saturday, July 7, to Sunday, September 2, North Cornwall lifeguards will be patrolling Crackington, Blackrock, Widemouth, Summerleaze, Crooklets, Northcott and Sandymouth beaches.

The RNLI patrols over 240 beaches across the UK. When visiting the beach, they strongly recommend that people go to one that is lifeguarded. Throughout the UK, the operational times are 10am to 6pm, seven days a week. For those who are ever near the sea and spot someone in trouble, call 999 and ask for the coastguard. Never attempt to save someone, as very often one person in difficulty can very quickly turn into two.