RNLI lifeguards prevented a tragedy after carrying out a daring rescue to save a group of swimmers at Porth Beach.

Louis Harris, Harry Barea and Elodie Sykes rescued 11 swimmers after they got into difficulty in strong currents near the mouth of the Porth River during the evening of Sunday, August 30.

The RNLI lifeguards were alerted to a large group of people in distress after they moved out of the red and yellow flags and into an area of stronger currents and deeper water.

The group encountered challenging conditions caused by strong currents, large swell, spring tides and increased river flow following recent rainfall.

RNLI lifeguard Louis Harris entered the water, reaching the nearest group of swimmers and providing support using his rescue board before bringing eight casualties to safety. RNLI lifeguard Elodie Sykes also swam out to the casualties with a rescue tube as part of the coordinated rescue.

RNLI lifeguard Harry Barea reached the second group further offshore, where one casualty had become submerged, unconscious and unresponsive in the water. He provided immediate assistance and was able to bring the casualty and two others safely ashore. The casualty became unconscious again on the beach and required emergency care while additional support from HM Coastguard and the ambulance service was requested.

All 11 casualties were safely recovered from the water, with one person transferred into the care of paramedics for further assessment. A member of the public on a foil surfboard also assisted the rescue by helping one casualty back to shore.

RNLI Senior Lifeguard Dave Kelly said: “This was a significant and complex incident involving a large group of swimmers who got into difficulty in challenging conditions.

“This incident could have ended very differently. The quick actions, professionalism and training of the lifeguard team played a vital role in achieving a positive outcome.”