A SURF life saving club in Newquay has been donated a new inshore rescue boat after launching an appeal to help improve lifeguard cover following two holidaymakers drowning in the summer.

Newquay Surf Life Saving Club at Fistral Beach has received vital funding for the vessel and essential crew equipment including helmets and personal flotation devices from Gold Traders UK Ltd in Bodmin.

The lifesaving organisation put out the appeal after John Collins and his daughter Samantha Collins from Doncaster tragically drowned at Fistral Beach on July 26 at around 9.45pm, which was several hours after RNLI lifeguard service had finished for the day.

Steve Watts from Newquay Surf Life Rescue Club said: “After the tragedy of two people loosing their lives on Fistral beach this year, as a club we wanted to improve the patrolling and lifeguard cover we could provide once the RNLI leave the beach.

“During the summer, the RNLI lifeguards leave at 5.30pm to 6pm. The lifeguard services finishes on November 1 at Fistral and does not start again until spring the following year. This leaves the safety of the beach, its surfers and visitors, to the surf life saving clubs and its volunteers.

“We needed a new inshore rescue boat, but it is a huge expense. Plus with the personal protective equipment needed for the crew the cost escalates.

“Thankfully Gold Traders UK Ltd, has a connection with the club, and has provided support by paying for the new inshore rescue boat and all the personal protective equipment needed.”

Newquay Surf Life Saving Club is awaiting delivery of its new inshore rescue boat.

Mr Watts added: “The funding represents a significant boost for the volunteer-run club.

“With thousands of people visiting Newquay’s coastline to enjoy its world-renowned waves, the need for trained surf lifesavers, appropriate equipment and a visible safety presence has never been more important.

“While the RNLI provides our beaches with an essential lifeguard service, the sea does not become less dangerous when a lifeguard patrol finishes. Visitors continue to surf, swim and enjoy the beach, often unaware of how quickly conditions can change.

“The club’s volunteers help bridge that gap through their commitment to training, prevention and community-based lifesaving. Their volunteer work complements the RNLI’s service, helping to promote safer behaviour and providing additional assistance when required.

“An inshore rescue boat is an essential piece of lifesaving equipment, providing trained crews with the ability to respond quickly to incidents in the water. Designed for use in challenging coastal surf conditions, inshore rescue boats are highly manoeuvrable and can reach casualties in situations where swimming or other rescue methods may be difficult or unsafe.

“At a beach such as Fistral, where powerful surf, rip currents and changing sea conditions can quickly put people at risk, an inshore rescue boat can make a crucial difference.

“It enables trained volunteer crews to reach people in difficulty, assist with casualty recovery and provide support during search and rescue operations.

“The addition of a new inshore rescue boat, alongside the necessary crew equipment, will help Newquay Surf Life Saving Club maintain and develop its operational readiness, ensuring its volunteers have the equipment they need to carry out their duties as safely and effectively as possible.”