THE rescue of a paddleboarder who drifted a mile offshore at Holywell Bay has prompted a safety reminder as lifeguard cover reduces for the autumn season.

Lifeguards Adam Taylor and Evie Bruce were alerted to reports of a lone paddleboarder struggling to return to the beach on Tuesday, August 11.

The lifeguard team launched the inshore rescue boat and headed to the reported location. During the search they were alerted by a member of the public on nearby cliffs pointing frantically out to sea. Evie spotted a paddleboard in the distance with a casualty submerged in the water next to it.

The lifeguards discovered the paddleboarder was exhausted when they reached him. He was being carried towards nearby cliffs after losing their paddle.

The RNLI lifeguards reassured the casualty and safely brought them aboard the inshore rescue boat working alongside Newquay RNLI lifeboat to secure the paddleboard before returning them to shore. The casualty was reunited with their family following an assessment on the beach. Newquay RNLI lifeboat returned the paddleboard safely back to shore.

RNLI lifeguard supervisor Drustan Ward said: “This was a fantastic example of multi-agency teamwork, with RNLI lifeguards, Falmouth Coastguard and Newquay RNLI lifeboat working together to bring the incident to a safe conclusion.

“I'd also like to recognise lifeguard Evie, whose excellent observation skills helped identify the paddleboarder in difficulty offshore, allowing us to locate and reach the casualty quickly.

“We'd encourage anyone visiting the coast to choose a lifeguarded beach, swim and surf between the red and yellow flags where possible and check the conditions before heading into the water.”

Beachgoers are reminded that RNLI lifeguard patrol times are changing with the main summer season ending.

Full-time patrols will remain in place until November 1 at Cornwall's busiest beaches, including Fistral, Perranporth, Porthmeor and Sennen. Visitors are encouraged to check local beach patrol times before travelling and, wherever possible, choose a lifeguarded beach.

RNLI regional lifeguard lead Henry Saddler-Irvine said: “Our lifeguards have once again done an outstanding job during a busy and warm summer. They have demonstrated professionalism, resilience and teamwork every day, often in challenging conditions, to help keep people safe along our coastline.

“I'd like to thank all of our lifeguards and support teams for their dedication throughout the season. Their efforts have made a real difference to the communities and visitors we serve, and they should be proud of the impact they've had this summer.”