Lifeguards rescue 32 people in one hour on Cornwall beach

RNLI lifeguards had to rescue 32 people in one hour at Polzeath in Cornwall in strong winds during a high tide and a large swell.

Seven swimmers and 25 body boarders were rescued by six lifeguards, Ben Miskowicz, Chris Rowlands, Phil Bartlett, Scott Temple, Christian Parker and Craig O'Rourke, were due to finish a 6pm, but realised conditions were too dangerous for them to leave, reports the Cornish Guardian.

Senior lifeguard Ben Miskowicz told the local news service: "The conditions at Polzeath this week are particularly challenging, we have a high tide, strong onshore winds and large swell.

"The winter storms have changed the typography of Polzeath and now at high tide we have some rip currents at both the northern and southern end of the beach."

Speaking to ITV news, he said: " I could see how strong the rip was. When the lifeguards stopped paddling on the rescue board, they were pulled away very quickly. It was incredibly strong."

The people who needed rescuing had fallen off the bank of sand and straight into the path of the rip current.

"As we had a higher view we were able to spot casualties and guide the lifeguards in the water to them. I could see how strong the rip was, when the lifeguards stopped paddling on the rescue board they were pulled away very quickly, it was incredibly strong."

Yesterday was the highest tide of the year, with high tide at Polzeath at 7.15pm.

Lifeguards are urging everyone to take extra care in the conditions.

Chris Wafer, RNLI lifeguard supervisor, said: "If you are heading to the beach please speak to the lifeguards to find out the hazards and take heed of their advice."

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